Gary Ethan Bjorn
August 17, 1936 – July 10, 2022
On Sunday morning, July 10, 2022 at the age of 85, Gary Ethan Bjorn of Kansas City, MO was united with His Savior. He passed peacefully with his wife, Sandy, by his side. Gary was born on August 17, 1936, in Audubon County, IA to Anders and Thelma (Bartlett) Bjorn, the seventh of nine children. His parents let his older sisters name him, and they chose Gary, because of their love for Gary Cooper. He graduated Valedictorian of Exira High School in 1955. He attended Iowa State University, before transferring to Northwest Missouri State University, where he met his wife, Sandy. He graduated with a degree in Education and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Anders and Thelma Bjorn, his siblings Paul Bjorn, Richard Bjorn, Elaine Landon and Barbara Lensch, and grandchild Dylan Wilkerson. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, his children, Bob (Cindy) Bjorn of Kansas City, Amy (Scott) Hickox of Liberty, five grandchildren: Ethan Bjorn of Kansas City, Noah Hutson of Kansas City, Allison (Mark) Wopata of Columbia, MO, Connor Hickox of Chicago, IL and Cooper Hickox of Los Angeles, CA, and siblings Bill Bjorn of Creston, IA, Betty Poulsen of Audubon, IA, Jan McCollough of Camano Island, WA, and Karen Diehl of Port Hueneme, CA.
After teaching middle school history for a year, Gary embarked on a career with the federal government. Even though he left the teaching profession, he continued to read voraciously, as he had since he was a child. He was always learning. He retired in 1994 from the Department of Health and Human Services. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering at the Nearly New Thrift Store where he served on the board for several years, and later volunteered at Hillcrest Ministries. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling both domestically and internationally with a real fondness for Europe.
He was an avid sports fan and participant. He played baseball in high school, coached Bob and his friends in baseball for years, and went on to play softball into his 60’s and golf into his late 70’s. He was a passionate fan of the Royals and Chiefs, and he and Sandy had season tickets to the UMKC basketball games for 20 years. He also enjoyed woodworking and built handcrafted pieces of furniture for his wife and children.
Gary lived his life serving others, quietly and humbly. For decades, he regularly gave blood and platelets as often as they would allow him. He went through two years of training to prepare himself to teach the Bethel Bible curriculum to others. Whether it was family, neighbors or even complete strangers, when anyone needed help, Gary was always ready and willing.
He leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity, faithfulness and humility. His serving continues in his passing as he has donated his body to KU Medical Center for research.
Please join us for a celebration of life at the Park Hill Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Park Hill Christian Church 6601 N.W. 72nd Street Kansas City, MO. A Memorial Service celebrating Gary’s life will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Scott Hickox officiating. LIVESTREAM will also be available for the Celebration of Life Service at eStreaming – PARK HILL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (parkhillcc.org) In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice or Park Hill Christian Church. Memories of Gary and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Sandy and family,
You all were so blessed to have such a wonderful man as Gary was! He was the sweetest man and would give you the shirt off his back! I really appreciated Gary helping to move my father out of his home over seven years ago. Gary was a year younger then my Dad Don Shegrud but it is amazing how both of there deaths were so close . They both passed away in the same hospice house and died 2 hours apart and even rode together to the same funeral home! May God wrap his loving arms around my dear friend Sandy and her family during this trying time.
Love, Sonya Holtzclaw
To Sandy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know you all will turn to our Lord for the strength and guidance that you all need in the days and months ahead. I was happy to know Gary for about five years. He was a very humble and loving person. This world needs more people like him. May God bless you and keep you, and may his light shine upon you.
To Sandy and family,
My condolences to you and your family at Gary’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
We have known and loved Gary since meeting at the social security office in Omaha in 1967. He and I were fellow employees there till 1970 and again worked in the same building in Kansas City until he retired. Socially our families continued our relationship to the present. Respected each other because of Christian beliefs. He will be missed but hopefully we can meet again in Heaven. God bless him and the family
Got to know Gary at NWest Mo. Gary and I taught together at Bedford, Iowa Middle School. Taught us all how to play Bridge. Attended many athletic events over the years. Gary and Sandy spent time with us in Florida as snow birds. A great guy and he and Sandy were very close friends for 60 plus years. When we moved to KC from Iowa 3 years ago, Sandy brought us our dinner. Kind of friends to have.
Sandy, I enjoyed knowing and working with Gary at the Nearly New Shop for many years. He was truly a very kind and thoughtful individual. I know he will be greatly missed by you, your family and his many friends. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
My sincere sympathy, Marvalee Mansell
Sandy – We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s death. He was a class guy and we will miss him. Our condolences to you and your family.
Sandy, We are so sorry to hear about Gary. Our prayers are with you and your family🙏🙏
So sorry that Gary’s journey has ended. Take comfort in the memories and the life you shared and know that his influence abides everywhere without visible symbol worked into the lives of those who knew, respected and loved him.
Sandy and family, with Gary’s passing, Heaven has gained a true angel and left many precious memories with so many to ease the parting here. May the knowledge of knowing the family will all be together in our heavenly home bring some comfort to you at this time. Gary lives on through his children and grandchildren along with all your special memories of time together. With love, prayers, and sympathy
Annette Shaver
Dear Sandy and family. Gary was one of the nicest people I knew. I worked with him many years. May he rest in peace.
Judy Saale
So sorry to learn about Gary. He and I worked together at HCFA and traveled on site visits. A very class act!
Sandy, thank you so much for sending this to me. My prayers go out to your family while missing Gary so much. I knew he was a wonderful man he was also funny, good sense of humor and very smart. You and the children were his life. It was a pleasure knowing him.