Lillian M. Bjurman, 91, of 10545 S. 75 Rd, Rapid River passed away on August 25, 2024 at Bishop Noa Home. Lillian was born on November 10, 1932 in Rapid River to Esther (Johnson) and Hugo Brannstrom. Lillian graduated from Rapid River High School in 1950. She attended Cloverland Commercial College and worked for a short time at Alger Delta Coop Electric Association. She was united in marriage to Harold Bjurman on December 8,1951 in Rapid River. Harold passed away on September 12, 2003.
In November 1970 Lillian was elected to the Masonville Twp. Board as Twp. Clerk. She enjoyed this position very much and retired in 2000. In 2001 she was honored to be Grand Marshall in the Rapid River Memorial Day Parade.
She was a lifelong member of Calvary Lutheran Church and very active in the community including Rapid River 4 Township Senior Citizens and the Stonington Booster Club. She enjoyed walking, cross country skiing, flower/vegetable gardening and bird watching. Lillian resided at Bishop Noa Home in Escananba MI since 2015 following complications of her stroke in 2013. The family would like to thank Bishop Noa Home for all the care, love and support given to Lillian and her family.
She is survived by three daughters: Lynn (Chuck) Larsen, Diane (Craig) Hurst and Penny (Ron) Pratt and son-in-law Greg Bernhardt; nine granddaughters: Kerstin (Jim) Maierle, Emily Pratt (Forest Dane), Jennifer (Chuck) Barnes, Jaclyn (Justin) Johnson, Alison Bernhardt, Kelly (Doug) Drier, Becky Bernhardt (Rick Konczak), Kayleen (Adam) Ridgeway, and Sara (Zach) Johnson and 10 great grandchildren Jason Johnson, Julia Barnes, Lucas Kamphuis, Ayla Kamphuis, Aiden Barnes, Madison Johnson, James Drier, Lily Bernhardt, Josie Drier, Sylvie Dane. Sister: Alice (James Johnson); Sister-in-law: Mary Brannstrom and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents Hugo and Esther Brannstrom, husband Harold (2003), loving daughter Judith Bernhardt (2021) of Duluth MN and brother Roger Brannstrom of Rapid River MI (2022).
Visitation will be on Saturday August 31 from 11 am -1 pm, with funeral services at 1 pm and lunch to follow at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Burial will be at Rapid River Cemetery on Tuesday, September 3 at 10 am. The Skradski Funeral Home of Gladstone MI is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church, Stonington Booster Club, Rapid River 4 Township Senior Center or charity of choice.
Ellen Revis - East Lansing, MI
Lillian will be sadly missed but her loving kindness will always be remembered.
Deb & Andy Lehto - Rapid River , Mi
Lillian was a very kind person
Patricia Rudden - Escanaba, MI
I met Lillian at Bishop Noa when she became friends with my Aunt, Elma Thinglum. She was a very lovely person and had the most upbeat attitude whenever I talked to her. I loved how she loved being outdoors, enjoying sunny days! I haven’t seen her since my Aunt died, but remember her fondly.
Kurt Brannstrom - Ensign , MI
Growing up I remember how pleasant it was to spend time with Lillian and Harold. She treated us kids like we were her own! Never a harsh word was spoken. She was truly the kindest person I’ve ever met!
Francie & Pat Larrabee - Rapid River, Michigan
You were one of the kindest, and soft-spoken woman I have ever met.
Your joy radiated from you. Your blueberry cake recipe will go down in history.
Prayers and condolences to your family and friends.