Diorite Location, MI - Gary P. Bjorne, 68, of 3236 Co. Rd. CKK, Champion, passed away at his home after a short illness on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, while in the loving care of his daughters Kori and Brooke and U.P. Home Health &Hospice.

Gary was born in Ishpeming on August 25, 1955, a son of the late Jeanette M. (Rice) and Calvin C. Bjorne. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1973. Gary worked as a miner for 40 years at Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. at the Republic and Tilden Mines.  During his tenure he was a strong member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local #4974, serving as an officer and a member of the bargaining team.  In fact, "Have a seat at the bargaining table,"  was one of the many lessons he taught his daughters in order to learn to compromise and thoughtfully make a case for what they wanted.

Gary had been a longtime member of the Ishpeming Elks Club and many of his fondest memories took place at the Elks Club Picnic with family, friends, and fellow club members.  He also played in the Ishpeming Cribbage League; however, it was his and his wife's ongoing cribbage games that brought him joy and victory on most occasions.  Boasting a 28 hand once, he retired the deck after hanging the hand on the fridge and was very protective of his pegs so they would not lose their luck. While competitive at the game, a penny a point tallied throughout the year and a  nickel a game, with a double or nothing game on December 31, he always bested Kris but he never once demanded payment.

Gary cherished his time spent with family, including almost weekly Sunday dinners in his home in Diorite, living by the motto the 'family that eats together stays together.'  He was a favorite fan of every sport or activity that his daughters and grandchildren participated in. He spent many evenings in the bleachers cheering on his favorite patriot in their football, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball and tennis games.

He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and lover of saunas.  A previous hunter and fisherman, he spent most of his later years appreciating the wildlife around him, naming the otters, geese, and deer that shared his front lawn.  While many considered him a quiet man, he was always thoughtful in his conversation and often silly around those who knew him best.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, who was the love of his life and best friend,  Kris  (Grigg) Bjorne on January 20, 2021. He is survived by two daughters, Brooke (Jason) LeClair and Kori Bjorne both of Ishpeming, 5 grandchildren - Gabe, Ben, and Grace Tossava, Sam and Will LeClair, brother Glenn (Maribeth) Bjorne of Oshkosh, WI, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joan (and the late Gregg) Bjorne of Negaunee, Denise (John) Spelgatti of Iron River and Gordon (Susan) Grigg of Ishpeming, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where a short Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor Gordon Grigg III officiating. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, 138 Fortune Lake Camp Rd., Crystal Falls, MI 49920 or at fortunelake.org or a charity of one's choice.

Gary's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.