Irma Louella (Jensen) Bjøraker — known to all as "Lou" — was born on July 26, 1930, in Freeborn County, Minnesota, to Danish immigrants Oskar and Ellen Jensen. Danish was her first language, and she cherished her heritage throughout her life. In 1983, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Denmark and meeting many of her relatives there. She graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1948.

Lou met Roy William Bjøraker when they both worked at Josten's in Owatonna. They were married in a Christmas wedding at the Jensen family farm near Geneva, Minnesota, in 1950, and made their home in Owatonna, where they shared 54 years of marriage.

Lou was an active member of First Baptist Church of Owatonna, where she and Roy faithfully raised their children in the Christian faith. For several years, she served alongside the pastor's wife, Mrs. Norton, as a Guild Counselor, mentoring young women in Bible study, spiritual growth, and Christian homemaking.

She worked for 24 years at Owatonna Tool Company (OTC), retiring in 1997. Her coworkers remembered her fondly for the thoughtful sayings, Proverbs, and humorous quotations she regularly posted on the company bulletin board — often sparking conversations around the water cooler that lingered long after the workday moved on.

Lou delighted in family outings and vacations with Roy and their three children — Bill, Kristi, and Bob. Christmas was especially dear to her, marked by treasured family gatherings and her famous homemade chocolate fudge. She loved doting on her grandchildren and took great joy in teaching them Danish songs, rhymes, and sayings.

She was often the life of the party at family gatherings, laughing freely, teasing and being teased by her four brothers. She believed the proverb, "A cheerful heart is good medicine," and she lived by its truth every day.

Lou had a gift for bringing people together, and nowhere was that more evident than around a card table. With country music playing in the background and little dishes of snacks perfectly arranged within reach, she was in her element — cards in hand, a laugh at the ready, and a playful tease never far behind. She had a way of making an ordinary afternoon feel like a celebration.

Saturday mornings held their own kind of delight. Before Lou and Roy set out to scour garage sales for hidden treasures, they would often gather with close friends at Hy-Vee for a cup of coffee — good people, good laughs, and nowhere else to be. It was a ritual she cherished deeply.

Lou took great pride in her home. Holiday tables were set with care and intention, and as the seasons changed, so did her décor, each corner of her home reflecting the time of year with a warmth that made everyone who walked through her door feel welcome. And Lou always showed up adorned. Jewelry was not an accessory — it was a statement. Rings on her fingers, a smile on her face, and a twinkle in her eye that let you know she was probably already thinking of something clever to say.

In retirement, Lou volunteered at Cedarview Care Center in Owatonna, where she served as a helper and companion to residents. In 2005, she was named Volunteer of the Year at Cedarview for the cheer and encouragement she brought to those in her care. In 2000, she and Roy celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in California, surrounded by all their children and grandchildren.

Lou died July 2, 2026, at Timberdale Trace Senior Living in Owatonna, at the age of 95. She lived 95 full and joyful years, and anyone who knew her would tell you she made the most of every single one of them.

She is survived by her children: Bill Bjøraker and his wife, Diana, of Springfield, Missouri; Kristi Bjøraker of Owatonna, Minnesota; and Bob Bjøraker and his wife, Kendra, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jesse and his wife, Merry, of Garberville, California; Tal and his wife, Katie, of Dallas, Texas; Samuel and his wife, Anna, of Austin, Texas; Jodi Smith and her husband, Tim, of Bismarck, North Dakota; Michael Bjøraker of Bonner's Ferry, Idaho; and Melissa Cote and her husband, Nick, of Milton, Florida. Her great-grandchildren include Keaton and Tevon, sons of Jodi and Tim; Freya, daughter of Samuel and Anna; and Lillian, Nolan, and Corbin, children of Melissa and Nick Cote. She is also survived by her brothers, Dale (Barb) Jensen of Geneva, Minnesota, and Stanley (Iris) Jensen of Lakeville, Minnesota, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Roy; her sister, Deloris; her brothers, Irvin and Harold Jensen; and her grandson, Chad Moore.

Her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with those who have gone before her in faith. 

A funeral service will be at 10 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Aurora Lutheran Church, rural Owatonna, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in Aurora Lutheran Church Cemetery.