Ruth E. Bjurlin, 97

Ruth Elizabeth (Rosengren) Bjurlin was born on March 26, 1912 in Ben Wade Township, Douglas County, Minnesota to Carl and Freda (Anderson) Rosengren. She was baptized at Ben Wade Covenant Church in Ben Wade Township. Ruth attended country school at District #26 in Ben Wade Township through the eighth grade. She then attended Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis where she graduated at the top of her class.

Ruth was united in marriage to Alford Bjurlin on March 24, 1937 at the Ben Wade Covenant Church The couple became missionaries and began their work with the Mountain Missions in Kentucky. Later, they went to South America with the Evangelical Free Church of America as missionaries to Venezuela. They returned back to the States and continued their missionary work in Stephen, MN working with the sugar beet workers. They retired after 35 years of missionary work and moved to Lowry.

Ruth was a warm, nurturing and caring servant of God corresponding with hundreds of people and showing persistent care for people. She enjoyed being around children and animals as they brought her much joy. Having learned Swedish as her childhood language, as an adult she became fluent in Spanish often serving as a translator. Ruth enjoyed baking, gardening, canning and sharing their produce with people. A self taught musician, she played the tipple and the pump organ often while singing together with her husband, Alford.

Ruth died on Monday, April 13, 2009 at Knute Nelson at the age of 97. She is survived by her son, Marvin (Christina) Bjurlin of Fredonia, NY; grandchildren, Carl Bjurlin of Dunkirk, NY and Curtis (Alexandra) Bjurlin of Madison, WI; great-grandsons, Cyrus and Theodore Bjurlin; brother, Walter (Margaret) Rosengren of Alexandria; sister-in-laws, Beatrice Rosengren of Alexandria and Doris Rosengren of Bloomington; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Freda; husband, Alford; brothers, Rodney, Paul and Victor; and sisters, Rose Bjurlin and Myrtle Lundbland.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Ben Wade Covenant Church in Lowry, MN with Reverend Russell Osterberg officiating. Music was provided by organist, Ethel Lundblad; and soloist, Gary Swanson. Interment was held in the Ben Wade Covenant Cemetery. Casket bearers were Carl Bjurlin, Curtis Bjurlin, Morris Bjurlin, Ken Lundblad, Gary Rosengren and Roger Rosengren.


Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.