John Moore Bjornstad

John “Bernie” Moore Bjornstad, the son of Mary Jane (Moore) and Wallace Bjornstad was born October 16, 1952 in Spencer, Iowa. He spent his childhood years in Spencer, graduating from Spencer High School in 1971. In 1973, Bernie joined the United States Navy, serving 3 years before being honorably discharged. He went on to receive his under graduate degree at Emporia State University in 1984, and his law degree from Creighton University in 1987. Bernie completed his CPA certification in 1986, working a short time for the IRS in Oshkosh, WI.

In 1988, Bernie returned to Spencer, joining the law office of Cornwall, Avery, Bjornstad & Scott alongside his brother, Chris. After moving to Okoboji, Bernie joined his brother Ned in partnership at Bjornstad Law Office in Spirit Lake. He dedicated his career to tax law and preparation, probate, real estate, and family law – and was fondly referred to as “Bernie the Attorney” by many clients over the years. Bernie was a member of the Iowa Bar Association, a third-degree Knights of Columbus member, and a former member & past president of the Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis, where he continued to actively volunteer at the K-Café fair stand.

Bernie was a proud dad to Jack & Emily, “uncle-odd-father” to Sarah, grandpa to Ebba, Wallace, and Bjorn, and a beloved brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was genuine, kind, witty, gentle, humble, and had a heart that was larger than life.

Bernie enjoyed fishing, reading, listening to music, drives around the lake, Sunday afternoon movies, and all things Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family & friends.

Bernie passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 after a short, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Moe and Wally; step-mom, Marcia Bjornstad; and sister, Mary “Pooh” Bjornstad Heinrichs.

Left to cherish Bernie’s memory are his son, Jack (Nikki) Bjornstad; daughter, Emily Bjornstad; niece, Sarah (Cody) Wurm; three grandchildren: Ebba, Wallace, and Bjorn Bjornstad; his former wife, Diane Heggestad; sister, Margie Russell; brothers: Chris (Connie) Bjornstad, Ned Bjornstad, and Fred (Deb) Bjornstad; and many nephews, nieces, great nieces & nephews, cousins, friends, and treasured clients.

Bernie was deeply loved and will be forever missed by all who loved him. He will be remembered for his sweet smile, shaggy curls, quick wit, and kind soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Spencer Hospital Foundation or the Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis in Bernie’s honor.