Justin Farley
Owner/Manager
Justin Farley
Owner/Manager
A native of Ishpeming, I was born on the opening day of deer season in 1991 at the old Bell Hospital downtown. I attended Nice Community Schools growing up and graduated from Westwood High School with the class of 2010. Following graduation I furthered my education at Northern Michigan University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. During my college years I worked for Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home which led me to attending the Des Moines Area Community College Mortuary Science Program in 2015 where I subsequently graduated in 2017. I have been working as a licensed funeral director at Bjork and Zhulkie from that point forward. On January 1, 2026 I became Owner/Manager of Bjork and Zhulkie and look forward to providing meaningful service to the community for years to come.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife Natalee chasing our 2 children around at their numerous extracurricular activities and events.
Lance Maki
Owner/Funeral Director
Lance Maki
Owner/Funeral Director
I was raised in Ishpeming, MI, and graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 2010. I went on to attend Northern Michigan University, earning my bachelor’s degree in Loss Prevention Management with a minor in Criminal Justice in 2014. After college, my career took me to Milwaukee, Appleton, and the Chicago area while working for Sears Holdings Corporation, but my heart never left the Upper Peninsula. I was grateful for the opportunity to return home.
Driven by a desire to serve families during some of life’s most meaningful moments, I later pursued Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College and became a licensed funeral director in 2021.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, fishing, and following sports—especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers. My wife, Rajani, and I have been together for over a decade, and our home is happily full with three dogs (Reggie, Goldberg, and Otter), two cats (Pancakes and Waffles), and three chickens (Martha, Matilda, and Nuggets). You could say we keep a small farm running.
Ken Farley
Funeral Director (Retired)
Ken Farley
Funeral Director (Retired)
I was born in Hancock, MI, and have lived in the Ishpeming area for most of my life. I graduated from Westwood High School and went on to attend Western Michigan University and Northern Michigan University before completing my Mortuary Science degree at the College of Boca Raton (now Lynn University) in 1988.
I began working at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in 1987 and later became co-owner in 2003 alongside my brother, Tom J. Farley. I continued serving families in our community until my retirement in early 2026. I continue to stay involved at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home supporting the next generation of ownership.
I am married to Maryann, who previously taught at Ishpeming Middle School. My wife and I have four children: Ryan, Justin—who now serves as the current owner and funeral director at Bjork & Zhulkie—Michael, and our daughter, Elizabeth.
In my spare time, I enjoy mountain biking, golfing, spending time at Lake Michigamme, and playing hockey.
Tom Farley
Funeral Director (Retired)
Tom Farley
Funeral Director (Retired)
I was born in Iron Mountain, MI, and have lived in Ishpeming since 1971. I graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 1987 and went on to attend Northern Michigan University before earning my Mortuary Science degree from the College of Boca Raton (now Lynn University) in 1991.
For many years, I served families in our community as co-owner of Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home alongside my brother, Ken Farley, before retiring at the beginning of 2026. I also formerly served as the MFDA District 10 Director. I continue to stay involved in the profession and enjoy supporting the next generation at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home.
I am married to Joelene (Marceau) Farley, and we have two children, Eric and Lauren. Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf and hockey.
