Coach Niki Villelli took her last breath on February 7, 2025; however, the reason behind her demise remains concealed so far.
The Eagan Softball Community member, Niki Villelli, left behind her husband, James Bjorkstrand, and her two amazing kids, Jacob and Joey Bjorkstrand, at age 38.
Niki was a beloved coach and a passionate advocate for the sport. In fact, she wasn’t only a coach but a cherished member of the Eagan community.
She coached alongside other coaches, including Chris Parnell, Leah Frenning, and James Norman. Niki selflessly dedicated several hours to coaching by organizing practices, developing strategies, and more, which spoke volumes about her passion for coaching.
Born to her father, Joseph T. Villelli, Niki grew up alongside her sisters, Linnea Downey and Stacy Villelli.
Her father, Joseph, a retired 30-plus-year employee at the FORD plant, succeeded her in passing. He took his last breath at the age of 59 on February 25, 2011.
Joseph’s memorial service took place on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Family and friends gathered for an hour-long service to honor his memory.
It was Niki Villelli’s sister, Linnea Villlelli, who broke the exclusive news of her passing through Facebook on February 8, 2025. In the post, she shared two pictures, penning,
My heart is broken. I have no words. I love you baby sis Niki Villelli.
Linnea Villelli
Her sister, Linnea Villelli, is a retired bartender and a proud breast cancer survivor.
Niki Villelli boasted a successful coaching career. She amassed an annual salary of around $46,517 as a Softball coach at Eagan High School.
Eagan Baseball Association reacted to her tragic passing by writing a lengthy eulogy on Facebook, which reads,
Eagan Baseball sends its condolences to the family of Niki Villelli, a beloved coach and member of the Eagan Softball and Baseball community. Niki dedicated many years to young athletes. Her passion for softball was matched only by her love for her family, and she was especially proud of her children, Jacob and Joey Bjorkstrand.
Jacob and Joey, Children of Niki Villelli and James Bjorkstand, Have Continued Their Legacy by Actively Participating in Sports!
Coach Niki Villelli is survived by her husband, James Bjorkstrand, and their two children, Jacob and Joey.
Although the precise details surrounding their marriage aren’t available, Niki and James played in the top league for serval years.
Niki and James first experienced parenthood with their first child, son Jacob, on September 15, 2008.
After three years, they extended their family of three to four with the arrival of their daughter Joey in October 2011.
Both of their kids are into sports. Their son, Jacob Bjorkstrand, standing 5 feet 9 inches, plays as a cornerback for Eagan High School.
He has had a progressive career in high school football. Jacob played on the Boys’ Freshman Football team, where he began his high school football journey from 2023 until 2024.
Later, he advanced to the Boys’ Sophomore Football team in his sophomore year. In 2024, he joined the Boys Varsity Football team, wearing jersey #45.
Their daughter, Joey, a student at Eagan High School, is actively involved in playing volleyball. Niki’s sister, Linnea Villelli, shared photos of Joey playing volleyball on Facebook.
Linnea expressed that, even in her mother’s absence, Joey is making her proud by continuing her legacy, writing, “Miss Josey Rose making her Momma Niki Villelli proud!! 🏐💙💚“
Meanwhile, Linnea Villelli has set up a GoFundMe account to help collect donations to help James Bjorkstrand alleviate funeral costs, medical bills, and other financial burdens.
So far, 169 donations have been received, raising $17,285, surpassing the initial goal of $15,000.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Niki Villelli shared a sound bond with her grandparents, Anthony and Elinor Villelli.
- Coach Niki Villelli’s sisters, Linnea and Stacy, are married. Linnea is married to Brian Downey, whereas Stacy is married to David Jewison.
