Martin Jay Bjornson

Martin “Marty” Jay Bjornson, 74, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away peacefully under the compassionate care of Hope Hospice on Monday, April 6, 2026. Born August 16, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, Marty was the beloved son of the late A. John and Frances (Eisenbeis) Bjornson. He carried the warmth, humor, and grit of his Chicago roots throughout his life.

Marty built a long and dedicated career in the finance industry as a stockbroker, a profession that suited his sharp mind and steady nature. Yet, as proud as he was of his work, nothing mattered more to him than his family.

In September of 1992, after moving back in with his parents, Marty received a bit of fatherly advice that would change the course of his life. His dad told him, “Marty, you need a woman. Get out of this house and find one.” Taking those words to heart, Marty attended a get‑rich‑quick seminar—of all places.

As fate would have it, in the parking lot afterward he approached a woman named Julie and asked, “How did you like the presentation?” That simple question led to an hour‑long conversation, an exchange of phone numbers, and the beginning of a love story that would define the rest of his life.

Marty and Julie dated for thirteen years before marrying on August 13, 2005. Their marriage was nothing short of a fairytale, and for Marty, the sun truly rose and set on Julie. His world revolved around his children and grandchildren—his greatest joy, his proudest accomplishment, and the center of every story he loved to tell. Some of Marty’s fondest memories from when the kids were little were the summers he and Julie spent taking them to all the Kane County carnivals, festivals, and fairs. He loved nothing more than watching their faces light up as they ran toward the rides.

In his earlier years, Marty poured his energy into his community, helping with the Boy Scouts and coaching youth baseball. He had a gift for encouraging kids, celebrating their wins, and teaching them to shake off the losses.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Marty found peace on the water with a fishing pole in hand. He was also a diehard Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, loyal through every high and heartbreak. Movies were another of his favorite pastimes—especially if they came with a big tub of popcorn. And whether it was a perfectly cooked meal or a guilty‑pleasure snack, Marty had a true passion for good food… and even better junk food.

Marty will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. His presence filled a room, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Leonard Bjornson.

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Marty is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Julie Bjornson; four children, Kristin Helen Bjornson, Bjorn Martin Bjornson (Ashley Rossi), Sonja Marie Bjornson (Paul) and Haley Nissa Gabalec (Craig); two brothers, John Bjornson and Verne Bjornson (Caroline Bjornson); four adored grandchildren, Hannah Marie Weiss, Julia Grace Bjornson, Brian Bjorn Gabalec and Shelby Lynn Gabalec; as well as ten nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Marty will be laid to rest in Kanesville Cemetery in Elburn, Chicago next to his parents.

​The family would like to say thank you to all of the staff at Hope Hospice and Cape Coral Rehab for all the care and attention Marty received.