Mary Jo Bjork, age 74 of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024, at River Falls Area Hospital surrounded by her family.
Mary Jo was born to Loren (Bud) and Rhene Lewis on Oct. 25, 1949. She was raised on the family farm near Plum City, Wis. She attended elementary school in Elmwood, Wis. until her family moved to Red Wing, Minn. during her high school years. She graduated from Red Wing High School in 1967.
In 1968 she met Michael Bjork, a neighbor in her St. Paul apartment complex, who came over to borrow a cup of sugar. They married in 1969 and lived in White Bear Lake, Minn. Together they had two sons, Michael and Matthew, who were the joy of Mary Jo’s life. She was a very devoted and loving wife and mother. In 1977 they bought land and built their home in the country outside of Ellsworth, Wis. In 1983, Michael was tragically killed in a car accident, leaving Mary Jo to raise the boys by herself. Thankfully her mother, Rhene, lived with them during this time and was a tremendous help. Her job with West Publishing as a proofreader was also a blessing during this time as she was able to do her job from home and be there for her boys.
Mary Jo had been a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beldenville, Wis. since moving to Ellsworth. In 1987 Mary Jo met Brad Baker, who was also a member of Our Savior’s. On Dec. 26, 1992, Mary Jo and Brad were married in a beautiful ceremony at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Brad not only became a loving and faithful husband to Mary Jo, but was also a loving and supporting stepfather to Mike and Matt. They enjoyed many happy years together, which included family fishing trips, playing sports, gardening and planting flowers in their yard. Mary Jo LOVED flowers. She and Brad made a trip to the nursery every spring to buy an assortment of flowers to plant around the house. This brought much joy to her life.
Her five grandchildren also brought so much joy and happiness to her life. She loved to spend time with them, nurturing and spoiling them with many hugs and kisses.
During her life Mary Jo was also employed by the Town of El Paso, the Village of Ellsworth, St. Croix Valley Title Services, and the WI Department of Corrections until her retirement in 2016.
Mary Jo battled many health issues that were not her fault. After an unforgiving surgery 12 years ago, which left her severely disabled, she still kept a positive outlook on life. Her kindness and compassion were a blessing to everyone she came in contact with.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband Brad Baker; sons Michael Bjork (Dyan) and Matthew Bjork (Holly); brother Loren “Mike” Lewis Jr (Jo); grandchildren Bo Bjork, Blake Bjork, Braelyn Bjork, Willow Bjork and Maisey Bjork along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Loren “Bud” Lewis; mother Rhene Lewis; brothers Jim Lewis, John Lewis, and David Lewis; sister Patricia Robole; late husband Michael Bjork, and nephews Jeff Lewis and Brett Robole.
A Funeral Service for Mary Jo will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church: N6450 530th Ave. Beldenville, WI 54003. A visitation will start one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Our Savior’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials would be made in memory of Mary and her sister Pat to the American Breast Cancer Association.
Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, 715-273-4421.
