Francis P. ‘Fran’ Bjorkquist

He was born on November 15, 1950 in Escanaba, son to Francis W. and Ann Marie (Hebert) Bjorkquist. Fran graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1969 and then attended Bay College. He had a 41-year career at Mead Paper as a pipefitter/maintenance, retiring in 2012.

Fran married Marsha Jo Satterwhite on January 30, 1978 in Escanaba. She preceded him in death on November 10, 2014.

He was a founding and lifetime member of the Kruisin Klassics and also an avid member of Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club. It was at the Rec Club that he met his wife, Michelle E. “Mickey” Mattson. They were married on March 27, 2017 in Escanaba.

Fran was a talented woodworker who made eagles, bird houses, among other pieces. He loved working in his garage and tinkering on cars. Fran loved going to the races, having his Monday nights with friends, and treasured time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mickey of Escanaba; children, Paulette (Wayne) Pepin of Escanaba, Sherri (Dale) Palequin of Las Vegas, Dawn (David) Harris of Lexington, N.C., and Wendy Wagner of North Caroline; stepchildren, Jeff (Audrey) Solomon, Melissa (Steve) Varhola, Aaron (Misty) Kozar, and Karen (Rich) Hubert; 22 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Vern (Maggie) Bjorkquist; and five nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Marsha; he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St. Escanaba, and will conclude with a closing prayer.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family and a memorial will be established at a later date.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The family entrusted the Crawford Funeral Homes with handling the arrangements.