Eleanor A. Bjornlie

Eleanor Bjornlie, 92, died Saturday, December 21, 2019, at her residence, the Hospitality House, Fergus Falls, MN.

Eleanor Alvina Eastvold was born October 8, 1927 to Andrew and Clara Eastvold, rural Felton, MN. Eleanor grew up in a loving Christian home, an only child, surrounded by extended family. After graduating from Felton High School in 1945 she attended Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and worked at the Clay County Courthouse. It was during these days that Eleanor met the love of her life, Lloyd Bjornlie.

Lloyd and Eleanor were married October 29, 1949 at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, rural Borup, MN. They were blessed with five children: Cheryl, David, Ethan, Lori, and Teresa.

While Lloyd taught and served as Principal of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls from 1950-1964, Eleanor helped in quite a few capacities, including teaching Girls’ Physical Education and mentoring many teenage girls. Eleanor was involved in Women’s Missionary Fellowship, Ladies’ Aid as well as the PTA. When Lloyd served as President of Lutheran Brethren Schools from 1972-1984 Eleanor continued to use her gift of hospitality through Hillcrest Auxiliary and Seminary Wives organizations as well as informally serving many students and friends.

Eleanor served along with Lloyd as he pastored Immanuel Lutheran Brethren Church, Eugene, OR from 1970-1972; Berea Lutheran Brethren Church, Alexandria, MN from 1984-1988; and Dovre and Union Lake parishes in Winger, MN from 1989-1993 before retiring to Fergus Falls in 1993. Her willingness to persevere through sickness and health, and her strength, faithfulness, and commitment in difficult circumstances gave testimony to her faith and her deep love of her husband Lloyd, and her Lord Jesus Christ.

As mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she has passed on a legacy to three generations who walk the path of faith in our Lord’s footsteps as she did. Blessed be the memory of Eleanor Bjornlie!

Eleanor is survived by five children and their spouses: Cheryl (Stan) Olsen of Fergus Falls, David (Vivian) Bjornlie of Ottertail, MN, Ethan (Carla) Bjornlie of Fergus Falls, Lori (Ken) Kristiansen of St. Paul, MN, and Teresa (Mike) Heikes of Fergus Falls; thirteen grandchildren: Andy (Rachelle) Olsen, Mary (Kristian) Anderson, Jim (Suzy) Olsen, Rachel (Blake) Kent, and Tommy Olsen, Jennifer (Brandon) Pangman, Daniel (Cara) Bjornlie, Kristin (Ryan) Erickson, Astri Bjornlie and Deidre Bjornlie, Heidi Kristiansen, Hans (Maria) Kristiansen, Johanna Kristiansen; twenty seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Andrew and Clara Eastvold, and her husband of 61 years, C. Lloyd Bjornlie.

Memorials are preferred to the Lloyd and Eleanor Bjornlie Scholarship for the Lutheran Brethren Seminary.

Visitation: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday January 17, 2020, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 18, 2020 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Ed Monson
Interment: Jevnaker Cemetery, Borup, MN

Arrangements are provided by the Olson Funeral Home Fergus Falls.
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com