Lawrence Michael Bjork, 77, of Ellsworth, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Nov. 30, 1946, in Trimbelle, Wis., to Ralph and Helen (Gutting) Bjork. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Trimbelle and then Ellsworth High School. In 1964, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War until he was honorably discharged in 1967. After he was discharged from the Navy, he met his wife, Debi Pulliam and they were married on July 15, 1968, in Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. After a short time in California, they moved to Wisconsin, coming back to Larry’s home in Trimbelle, then to Prescott and eventually back to the Ellsworth area. He worked at Control Data as a machinist for 10 years, prior to starting his own business, “Bjork’s Metal Crafting” which he owned and operated until 1992, retiring due to health reasons. He and Debi moved to Florida for a short time but returned to Wisconsin to be near family. Larry was a loving, caring and self-less guy. He was a talented machinist, crafting and engineering almost anything that was asked of him. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood-working and helping with home repairs and rebuilds for his family.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Debi Bjork of Ellsworth; two children, Todd (Julie) Bjork of Hudson and Kathy Bjork of Bovey, Minn.; three adopted sons, Tanner Bjork of Bay City, Hunter Bjork and Conner Bjork of Oakdale; grandchildren, Michael Bjork, Megan (Cody) Owen and Cole and Chase Gunnlaugsson; two great-grandchildren, Blakley and Harlow; siblings Bev (Tom) Radkey of Beldenville, Ron Bjork of River Falls, Dan (Carol) Bjork of Woodbury, Vickie (Curtis) Wandmacher of Ellsworth and Scott (Joanie) Bjork of River Falls and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter; siblings, David, Roger and Bob Bjork; two great-nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at the American Legion in Ellsworth from 12:30-4 p.m. Honor Guard will present at 1:30. Please come and help family and friends by sharing stories and memories of his life. Larry did not like getting dressed up for any reason. He would want everyone to wear jeans or whatever you are comfortable in, to the celebration of life.
Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel.
