Ray E. Bjorklund's Obituary
Raymond E Bjorklund (Ray) passed away on February 5, 2024 under the care of his family at the amazing, caring Hospice Home of Jackson. Born on May 24, 1926 Ray enjoyed life and people through all of his 97 years. His whole life was guided by faith that God had a plan for him and had him in His care.
Ray was born in Negaunee Michigan to Emil and Ida (NIllson) Bjorklund. Both of his parents had come to the United States from Finland as young adults. They would have a family of eight children: Walter, Evald, Agnes, Leonard, Werner, Elmer, Donna, and Ray. All of his family predeceased Ray.
Ray loved the age of freedom he had growing up in Negaunee. Even though that was during the time of the depression he never felt deprived. His father was a great hunter and his mother could cook anything. He graduated form Negaunee High School as WW II was raging so was drafted right out of high school. After a short basic training he was sent aboard the Queen Mary to fight in Europe. This ship had been converted to send thousands of troops overseas. He became part of Sherman’s tank core. He was one of the GI’s sent to replace all the men lost in the Battle of the Bulge.
When he retuned home the GI bill allowed him to start attending Northern Michigan University. On August 21, 1948 he married Louise (Ahola) and they moved to Ann Arbor for him to begin his schooling at the University of Michigan to become a dentist This began a life long love of anything involving the U of M…. especially their sport teams.
After his graduation they moved to Brooklyn for Ray to begin his dental practice in July of 1952. He served the community for 45 years in this way.
Ray and Louise had three children who survive: Christine (Martin) Taylor, David (Denise) Bjorklund, Kathleen ( Stephen) Bishop. Chris and Marty gave Ray three grandchildren Ray (Patty) Taylor, Brian (Ronda) Taylor, Carrie (Richard) Tallman. They then gave Ray seven great grand-children: Zachary (Monica), Hannah, Katie, Alex, Mia, Gracie, and Davis. An additional joy was the birth of two great, great grandchildren (Joanna and Ben) who made him a five generation family. Dave and Denise gave Ray two grandchildren: Brennen (Chelsea) and Steve (Lilli). They added two great grand-children to his family with Ryley and Silas. Kathy and Steph added two grand-children for Ray: Christoper (Emmie) and Stephanie (John). Two more great-grandchildren were added with the births of Anthony (Soisson) and Penny (Bishop).
Sadly Louise passed away in May of 1994. It was a blessing when Ray married Evelyn (Soronen) in September of 1997. He became a step-parent to Julie, Joel, and Jeff. Julie and her girls Karissa and Kristen would especially become a big part of his life. Ray and Evelyn were great travelers. He even found his roots and family in Finland that his parents had left behind so many years before. He also never lost his love for Michigan’s upper peninsula where he started life.
Ray deeply loved his family and friends and was involved in all parts of their lives. He will be greatly missed but leaves behind family who are very grateful that he enjoyed life to the fullest right to the end and thankful to have had him for so long as his life had a span of over 97 years.
Services to celebrate his life are being held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2024 (Gathering to begin at 10:00AM) at the Eineder Funeral Home in Brooklyn Michigan with Pastor Donny Pennala of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Howell Michigan officiating. This was the church that Ray attended for many years.
If desired memorial contributions are suggested for the Brooklyn Living Center or the Henry Ford Hospice Home in Jackson Michigan.
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