Dick Bjorkman

Dick Bjorkman has always been devoted to Thief River Falls.  He attended Northrop Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1952.  In high school, he was very involved in athletics, lettering in football, basketball, track, and baseball.  He sang in the school choir, was an active member of his church, and achieved the Boy Scout Eagle Award.  Bjorkman attended the University of North Dakota, where he played varsity basketball and ran on the track team.  He transferred to Hamline University and graduated in 1956 with a degree in Business Administration.  That same year, he was hired as a management trainee for Sears in Minneapolis.

In 1962, after serving in the Army Reserves for six years, he joined the family clothing business in downtown Thief River Falls.  Upon his father’s retirement in 1989, Dick took over “Bjorkman’s”, which he ran until his retirement. While working in the retail-clothing store, he served two years as President of Northwest Buyers and Jobbers, a men’s wear buying group serving a ten-state area. 

Community service has always been a big part of Bjorkman’s life.  Whether leading the campaign for the United Fund or serving as president for the TRF Retail Association, the Sports Boosters, or TRFAHA, Bjorkman has been active in helping his community.  He has served on the Board of Directors for the Jaycees, Rotary Club, Golf Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the TRF Education Foundation, of which he is a charter member.  As president of TRF Sports Booster Club, he helped organize the first Pigskin Preview.

Since retirement in 1998, Dick and Marsha continue to make their home in Thief River Falls. Their two children, Kelly and Tom, are both graduates of Lincoln High School. Bjorkman is well known for his great sense of humor and quick wit.  He is recognized as a lifelong booster of the Thief River Falls community and its school activities.