Tributes

Ilene Bjorkman was born to the late Hobert and Ines Fischer in Oelrichs, South Dakota on September 16, 1923. She passed away in Clovis, California on January 5, 2024 at the age of 100. She preceded in death by her beloved husband Gordon Everett Bjorkman; her son Robert Alan Bjorkman; her two brothers Gerald and Wayne. Ilene is survived by her son David Bjorkman of Sparks, Nevada, his son Jason Bjorkman (Rena) and daughter Jaime Moore (Chris); Her daughter, Joan Lassley (Gene Bruce) of Prather, California, is also left to cherish her memory, along with Joan's daughter Elisa Francis (Keith), son Justin Lassley (Suzette), and son Thomas Carter (Sheree). Ilene is also survived by her granddaughter Andrea Waters (Mike) and grandson Ryan Beau Bjorkman. Ilene was a devoted wife, wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was an incredible grandmother to seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She was loved dearly by her family, and time spent with her was treasured. Ilene's family moved to Niagara, Wisconsin when she was five years old. It was there that she met the boy across the field, her future husband, Gordon. In her youth, Ilene moved to Norway, Michigan to attend high school. She lived with family friends and worked as a housekeeper for them. She also spent a summer in Green Bay, Wisconsin, working for a family and saving her money for the next school year. Ilene was very close to her cousins, who were her best friends growing up. After graduation, Ilene moved to Milwaukee and stayed with her brother Gerald and his wife, Elma. She worked at Globe Union, making resistors for radios until a strike led to her losing her job. It was during this time that she began dating Gordon, and she eventually found work at the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery. In 1942, Gordon joined the U.S. Army and on December 11, 1943, during his first furlough, they were married in her parents' living room. While Gordon was deployed, Ilene moved back to the family home and worked closely with her father in a mine. In 1946, Gordon and Ilene headed west to California in search of new opportunities. Starting with very little, Ilene and Gordon worked tirelessly to build a life for themselves. They welcomed their first child, David, in December of 1946, followed by their daughter Joan. Around the same time, they were building their first home. Two years later, their son Bob was born. Ilene was a wonderful homemaker and a caring mother. When they bought 40 acres in Clovis in 1959, Ilene became a ranching and farming wife, tending to figs, almonds, and cotton. They also had cows and horses and enjoyed horseback riding. Hosting friends for card games was a favorite pastime for Ilene and Gordon. They loved playing Pinochle, 500, Canasta, Liverpool, as well as Scrabble and Rummycube. Countless weekends and summers were spent camping with their grandchildren, creating cherished memories. Ilene Bjorkman will be remembered for her love of reading, often finishing a book a day. She cherished her time spent with girlfriends, enjoying coffee or lunch together. The 20 plus years spent on BJ Bar ranch was the culmination of their tireless work to enjoy the rewards of this beautiful property. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ilene's life will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home, 1620 W. Belmont Avenue, Fresno, California 93728 on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Hinds Hospice in honor of Ilene Bjorkman. Please join us in celebrating the life of Ilene Bjorkman, a woman who touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

Tributes

Ilene Bjorkman

September 16, 1923 - January 5, 2024