Patricia A. Bjork

She was born March 5, 1929, in Alpha, daughter of the late Patrick and Anna (Johnson) Powers. Pat graduated from Alpha High School in 1946 and was a lifelong resident of the area. She married Edwin Bjork on April 12, 1947, at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls; he preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 2006.

Pat worked as a nurse’s aide after graduating from high school. She also served as the director of the Crystal Falls Senior Center for over 15 years. Pat was an active member of the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls, serving in many capacities, including church council where she was a past president. She was also involved in the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

Pat was an excellent seamstress and loved sewing. She made many articles of clothing for her family and even taught sewing classes for several years. Pat was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards, with cribbage, smear and pinochle being some of her favorites.

Family was the love of her life and the love she showed to all was enormous. Pat was a mentor, a teacher, and led by example. The lessons she taught her family will never be forgotten.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Holly (David) Rucinski of Crystal Falls; five grandchildren, Bryan (Lindsay) Bjork, Timothy (Anne) Bjork, Susan Bjork, Davey (Jonica) Rucinski and Chelsea (Kyle) Friederichs; seven great-grandchildren, Aaron, Madison, Cooper, Josephine, Casey, Hope and Liza; several nieces and nephews as well as her wonderful friends, Helen Forslund, Sue and Ken Sandri, and her neighbor, Val Novak.

In addition to her parents and husband, Pat was preceded in death by her son, Edward Bjork, and siblings, Howard (Mildred) Houlette, Amos (Ella) Houlette, Phil (Frank) Rossi, Marie (August) Huska, Geraldine (Anthony) Carlotto, Gerald (Hazel) Powers and Alice (John) Barna.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Pastor D.J. Rasner will officiate.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Iron County Cancer Unit, P.O. Box 45 Iron River, MI 49935.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Pat Bjork online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.