Norman Bjorne

“Nor,” as he was known to his family and friends, was born in the North Lake location on September 18, 1928 to the late Gust and Martha (Walimaa) Bjorne. He was the 6th child born to Gust and Martha, who had 7 boys altogether.

Nor was a graduate of Ishpeming High School. His family had a life of service to our country, with his four older brothers serving in the army and navy during WWII. Nor enlisted in the army in 1950 and served during the Korean War.

He was honorably discharged and returned to Ishpeming where he married the woman patiently waiting his return, Louise Arlene Hendrickson, in 1953. The couple moved to Milwaukee where he worked for the Allen Bradley Corporation and they moved back to Ishpeming a few years later.

Nor was hired as a patrolman with the Ishpeming Police Department and served in that capacity for 5 years and then began work for CCI, where he worked until retirement as a geological technician out of the Research Lab.

Nor, his brothers and their wives spent countless hours at the family camp on Big Perch enjoying saunas, deer and rabbit hunting, and July 4th celebrations. He and Arlene had a small trailer near the family camp that they spent their summers at while they both still worked and after retirement. They also traveled together, taking bus tours to various cities and spent several winters in Florida.

He was a voracious Detroit sports fan and never lost faith in his Lions. He has been patiently waiting for his Lions to win a Super Bowl and this could very well be their year, although he would have recorded the game and watched it only if they won. He played in the Ishpeming Cribbage League for decades, was a member of the Ishpeming Elk’s, the Riverside Club, and a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church.

He is survived by 2 sons, Bob Bjorne of Fayetteville PA and Jim (Holly) Bjorne of Ishpeming, a son-in law Paul Maki of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren, Jennie (Brandin) Johnson of Negaunee, Hillary (Andy) LaChapell of North Lake, and Seth (Erika) Bjorne of Negaunee, 8 great grandchildren, Jarin, Brady, and Claire Johnson, Lucy and Lucas LaChapell, and Boone, Cooper, and Eliina Bjorne, a brother Bernie of Ishpeming, some cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother Wesley, his parents, brothers Eddie, Les, Cal, and Wally, his wife Arlene, and daughter Julie.

Norman’s family will greet relatives and friends on Tuesday November 26, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Bethel Lutheran Church, where his memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, with the Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. Military honors will be accorded by the United States Army U.P. Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations should be directed to Northwoods Airlifeline who have done so much assisting Norman’s great-grandson obtain necessary medical care, which can be found at northwoodsairlifeline.org or via mail at PO Box 2973, Kingsford, MI 49802.

Norman’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.