Daniel “Dano” Thomas Bjork, 76, of Woodbury, Minn., passed away peacefully at Regions Hospital on Nov. 24, 2024. His body said it was time to rest after his long battle with metastatic lung cancer that had progressed more rapidly in the last few months, worsening COPD, and he had recently developed severe multiple pneumonias, a trifecta of bacterial, fungal, and viral pneumonias inundated his lungs. Daniel was born on April 10, 1948, in Trimbelle, Wis.; he was a beloved son of Ralph and Helen (Gutting) Bjork. Daniel was one of nine children altogether, seven boys and two girls, in one big loving household.
In 1966, Daniel enlisted in the Army, serving his country with honor during the Vietnam War from the end of 1967 until the end of 1968. He married Carol “Tina” Gilbertson of Maiden Rock, Wis. on April 22, 1967 and welcomed Daniel Jr. into the world just before his deployment.
Daniel was a man of many talents, known for his exceptional aptitude for figuring out anything in front of him; “Dano will know what to do” is a phrase everyone in his life said with regularity, and they were always right. His HVAC career spanned several decades, during which he worked at Harris Mechanical, co-founded Fisher-Bjork Sheetmetal, and contributed to Metro Sheetmetal and Northland Mechanical. Eventually, he became a self-employed contractor, earning the respect and friendship of many clients.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Daniel Jr. “Yohan” (Rhonda); his daughter, Mandi; and his cherished grandchildren, Sarah (Kris), Dustin, and Cade. He also leaves behind a great-grandchild, Jonathan “JD”; and Daniel’s siblings, Bev (Tom) Radkey, Ron Bjork, Victoria (Curt) Wandmacher, and Scott (Joanie) Bjork, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bob, Roger, his twin David, and Larry.
Daniel’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. His memory will be forever cherished by his family and friends, who will remember him as a man who could tackle any challenge with determination and grace. He truly enjoyed working, he loved to cook, he enjoyed flowers in the spring (the more the better), he liked collecting antiques, treat-time with the cats, watching mallards in the front yard and chickens in the backyard. He loved his family and loved his friends like family. Daniel was a provider, a teacher, a leader, a giver, a thinker and an inventor; he was patient and kind and most of all...he was one of a kind!
To honor his life, all are welcomed to Daniel’s Celebration of Life. It will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at The Old Ptaceks Event Center, 1449 Orrin Road, Prescott, WI from 1-4 p.m.
funeral: Cremation Society of MN 651-789-0404
