Bjarnie R. Anderson, 76, of Eden Prairie, MN died April 28 at his home from ALS disease.
He was born in St. Cloud MN and spent his early childhood in Hallock MN. In first grade, he moved to Crookston, MN. An honor student graduate of Crookston Central High School, he continued his education at Northwestern University in Chicago and achieved a Master’s Degree in Management Science and Communication Studies with a BS cum laude in Political Science and Communication Studies.
Bjarnie spent his working career in senior leadership positions centered in government
relations, legal operations management and consulting. He resided in Washington DC, London, Philadelphia and the Twin Cities. Organizations he devoted his working life to include Barclays of London, Northwest Airlines, Baker and McKenzie, Pillsbury, Exxon Mobil, Philadelphia Electric, Senator Rudy Boschwitz, US Senate, the office of Hennepin County Attorney and the Office of the Mayor, City of New York. Most recently, Bjarnie was the Senior Partner of Riverboat Properties LLC in Hudson, WI. The company is focused on the Vista Croix waterfront project in Prescott, Wi.
Bjarnie was a man of good cheer and demonstrated a generous, loving heart. His role models were his teachers, pastors, music and civic leaders, and his mother and grandmother, optimistic and persevering individuals. He celebrated his heritage, loving all things Swedish, especially the jokes and Swedish meatballs. He was a proud member of Svenska Sällskapet, a mens social club. He enjoyed traveling, focusing on the cultures and destinations of Asia and Europe. Everywhere he lived and traveled, he made friends. He routinely opened his homes to welcome them.
Two volunteer organizations he enthusiastically led were the International Aviation Club in
Washington, DC and Northwestern University Alumni. Prepared by debate training in high
school and Northwestern, he understood diverse points of view. This made him uniquely
qualified for leadership and sustaining so many work and personal relationships.
Bjarnie was an accomplished musician playing organ, piano, clarinet, and viola. Tennis was his favorite sport. An avid gardener, he made tending to plants and flowers a part of his daily life. Bjarnie was a long time dedicated member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. He valued his close relationship with Pastor David Lose who was a frequent visitor during his illness.
Bjarnie was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Anderson Strand and his grandmother, Julia Boris. He is survived by his half-brother, Steve Anderson and family, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bjarnie’s cousins of Atlanta, Janice Rice, Dr. Alan Rice and family, Sonya Peebles and family, played a role in all of Bjarnie’s life.
A celebration of life will be held June 10 at noon, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. So. Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred for Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church or the ALS Association.
