Oscar Bjorle 1912-2006


Oscar Clarence Bjorle, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Ashland on January 24, 2006. Oscar was born June 13, 1912 in Silver Lake, Iowa. He was the eldest son of Sigurd and Carrie Bjorle. He was preceded in death by his brother Lauritz of Tucson, Arizona.

Oscar went to school in Albert Lee, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He received his masters of music degree from University of Oregon.

Jun 27, 1938 Oscar married Marie Monserud in Sioux Fall, South Dakota. Moving to Ashland in 1946, Oscar and Marie raised two daughters, Jean and Judy. Marie died in 1989 after fifty years of married life.

Oscar was a music teacher, starting his career with choral music in Henning, Minnesota. Next he taught band in Kalispell, Montana. He was a Park Ranger in Glacier National Park for six years during the summers. Moving to Ashland, Oregon, in 1946 Oscar first taught vocal music at the Junior High and High School. In 1949 he started teaching at Southern Oregon University where he was the choral director. Oscar also taught Music Appreciation and Music Theory, retiring in 1975. He enjoyed directing the church choir at Zion Lutheran Church in Medford, playing cello in the Rogue Valley Symphony, and tuba in the Ashland City Band for many years.

On October 5, 1990 Oscar married Thelma Lord in Medford. Thelma survives Oscar. They made their home in Ashland. Thelma and Oscar were active members of Ascension Lutheran Church. They enjoyed doing activities with their combined families.

Oscar loved music, attending many concerts. Traveling, including trailering, were favorite activities. He was a handyman, he could fix anything. He was a solver of cross word puzzles and an avid cribbage player.

Family mourning his loss include his wife Thelma, his daughters Judy Bjorle of Ashland and Jean Morgan and her husband Michael, of Ashland. Grandchildren of Oscar are Christopher Morgan and his wife Lorie of Jacksonville, Gail Kaufman and her husband Zac of Phoenix and Julia Morgan of Portland. Great- grandchildren include Riley Morgan, Lauren Morgan, Austin Morgan, Alec Kauffman and Bryce Kauffman.

Memorials may be sent to Asante Hospice, Ascension Lutheran Church, Southern Oregon University Music Department, Rogue Valley Symphony or Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon.

A memorial service was held at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2617 East Barnett Road, Medford, on Sunday, January 29th at 3 p.m.