Dr. Bjorn Karl Monson, 78, St. Anthony Park, died July 25, 2020.
Bjorn was born in Canby. He graduated Luther College, the University of Minnesota Medical School and interned at the University of West Virginia, Morgantown.
After serving two years in the U.S. Air Force, he resumed his medical training, completing a general surgery residency at Hennepin County Medical Center, a thoracic surgery residency at the U of M Medical School and a fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital.
He began his medical practice at Hennepin County Medical Center in 1978. He began his thoracic surgery practice at Methodist Hospital and established the first heart surgery program in 1985, now known as Park Nicollet Heart and Vascular Center. He retired in 2008 due to Parkinson’s Disease. He was a professor of surgery at U of M Hospitals. He was a recipient of the Park Nicollet Foundation 2006 Earl Young Physician of Excellence award.
The thoughtful presence of his colleagues and the loving professional care from hospital staff while a patient in Methodist Hospital will especially be remembered for the comfort it gave him and his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Eunice. Bjorn is survived by Margot, his wife of 53 years, son Bjorn Monson II, daughter Amy (Eric) Williams and three grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Stefani (Jon) Lee and Kirsten (Duane) Monick and sister-in law, Wanda (Hank) Fredenburg. Memorials to Grace University Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Parkinson’s Foundation of Minnesota or Park Nicollet Foundation.
