On December 6, 2023, Joanne Marie Bjorkman, 72 of Brethren, Michigan died peacefully after a long hard-fought battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Her final moments were spent peacefully in her home surrounded by family.

Joanne was born on November 23, 1951, in Belleville, Michigan to Edwin and Eileen Renton. On May 18, 1973, Joanne married the love of her life, Wayne Bjorkman in Manistique, MI. Together they had a beautiful family and life for 50 years.

Joanne attended Belleville High School, graduating with the class of 1969, and then she went to Northern Michigan University where she earned her nursing degree. She worked as a nurse for many years, and as a home healthcare hospice nurse in both Michigan and Minnesota. Joanne's favorite job was being a mother and grandmother. She was a stay-at-home mom and raised her three kids surrounded by love, laughs, and adventure.

She loved cooking, crafts, sewing, farming, and garage sales. She was always looking for exciting new recipes and craft projects, especially to make for her grandchildren. She also loved being on the farm with her husband raising their herd of cattle, and of course bottle feeding the calves that needed help was her favorite. At one point she also raised a pair of Belgian horses named Maggie and Molly. She could be heard yelling "Horsie Girls" very loudly and those giant girls would come galloping from wherever on the farm they were to see her and get their treats and hugs.

Her beloved grandchildren brought her tremendous joy. She enjoyed teaching them how to cook, sew, play card games, cribbage, and of course attending their soccer games, band concerts, and anything they participated in at school. Above all else, Joanne loved her family unconditionally and gave her all to them. She was caring and selfless. She was the best grandma, mom, and wife.

Joanne is survived by her loving husband, Wayne; daughter, Kristi (John) Duff of Breezy Point, MN; sons Max Bjorkman of Brethren, MI, and Travis (Lisa) Bjorkman of Lancaster, PA. Joanne is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Kyle, Emily, Lucy, Rylie, Kendyl, and Quinn.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Edwin and Eileen Renton, and her grandson Zephan Bjorkman.

Joanne's family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life not the sadness of her passing.

Flowers and memorial gifts are welcome but not necessary. Memorial donations in Joanne's honor may be directed to the Brainerd Lakes Pay It Forward for Cancer Fund who helped support her during her leukemia fight. https://www.essentiahealth.org/foundation/our-family-of-foundations/st-josephs/donation/

A private memorial ceremony will be held at a later date.

Please visit Joanne's personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo or story. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee, MI.