• • Lakefield Standard

A funeral service for Phyllis M. Bjorklund took place Friday morning, July 9, at First Baptist Church, with Pastor Dale Hodges and Pastor Steve DeKok officiating. Interment was at Lakefield Memorial Cemetery, Lakefield. Phyllis died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 4.

Phyllis’ grandsons were casket bearers. Ushers were Duane and Carolyn Steiner and Bob and Pat Pritchard. The scripture reading was by Travis Schettler. Song leader was Brian Sether. Music was provided by Amy Hartzler and Rebecca Polich, pianists; Aaron Sparling, soloist; and Olivia Tanner, violinist. Osterberg Funeral Service, Jackson, handled the funeral arrangements.

Phyllis Marie Bjorklund was born on July 7, 1926, in Gilmore City, Iowa, the daughter of Augustus and Arlie (Judd) Joslin. As a youth, she attended school and graduated from Gilmore City High School. She was united in marriage to Carl Bjorklund on April 5, 1945, in Iowa. After marriage, they made their home in Iowa until 1950, when they moved to Hunter Township, Jackson County, where they farmed and raised hogs and cattle. Carl passed away on June 5, 1996, after 51 years of marriage. Phyllis continued to live on the farm in Hunter Township until 1999, when she made the move to Spencer, Iowa. Then in 2007, she moved to Mattoon, Ill., to be closer to family.

Phyllis had a Pentecostal faith and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of the Christian Women’s Club, the Jackson County Homemakers, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Lakefield. She loved gardening, flowers, sewing, and crafts. Phyllis enjoyed baking, and was known for making the world’s best apple pie and cinnamon rolls. She also loved collecting antiques and refinishing antique furniture.

Phyllis is survived by three sons, Carl (Marjean) Bjorklund of Windom, Micheal (Lynn) Bjorklund of Sandstone, and Samuel (Leah) Bjorklund of Bingham Lake; six daughters, Priscilla Harris of St. Paul, Karlata (Jerry) Sparling of Mattoon, Ill., Rebecca (Gregory) Polich of Olathe, Kan., Cynthia (Scott) Labs of Worthington, Sonja (Richard) Koch of Jackson, and Heather (Robert) Tanner of Eau Claire, Wis.; 31 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Rosemary Perry of California.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Carl; twin brother, Phillip; two sisters, Alice and Margaret; brother, Ken; daughter, Rachel; one grandson; and one great-granddaughter.
Blessed be the memory of Phyllis Marie Bjorklund.

Jackson County Pilot
July 15, 2010