Milford R. Bjelland, 68, of Morris passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at his Morris farm home that he loved after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born March 1, 1941 in Morris, he was the son of Oscar Bjelland and Amy Kallem Bjelland Christian.
He was a graduate of Gore country school and Morris High School, class of 1959. He attended Friends in Christ Lutheran Church in Morris. He loved walleye fishing, rooting for the Cubs and spending time with his family, especially his first granddaughter, born on June 15, 2009. In his younger years, he raised and showed Dorset sheep, producing a grand champion at the State Fair.
He enlisted in the Naval Air Reserve in Glenview, serving from 1963 to 1969 and was honorably discharged. His service also included a tour of duty in the Caribbean.
He worked in several area plants, including Federal Paper Board as an electrician, and Amax Aluminum.
He married Evelyn Galbraith of Coal City in 1970 and together they farmed until 2008 when Milford became ill. Besides grain, he was well-known in the area for the pumpkins he raised, having built up a wholesale operation, as well as selling retail from a rack at his home.
He also owned and operated Grundy Business Service of Morris, along with his wife and Mr. Ken Jorstad, for the past 13 years.
Milford served on the Grundy County Board. He also served on the Saratoga School Board and Farm Bureau Board including terms as president for both. He also served as president of the Morris Community Credit Union, acting as president until his illness forced him to retire.
He is survived by his wife, one son, Scott, of Los Angeles, one daughter, Anne (Gary) Childers of Chicago and a beloved granddaughter, Caroline Marie Childers. Also surviving are a brother, Al (Ellie) of Texas, a sister, Mavis (Ray) Anderson of Aurora and a sister, Shirley (Ron) Wilson of Centralia. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Special survivors include a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ray and Kathy Lissy, of Braceville and a great niece, Lane Payton, of Coal City.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 11, at Ferrari Funeral Services (corner of Spring Rd. and Ferrari Drive) Coal City, Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12.at Ferrari Funeral Chapel , Deacon Bob Stansberry and lay minister Ken Cupples will officiate with interment in Braceville Gardner Cemetery. Online guest book at www.ferrarifuneral.com or phone (815) 634-4040 for information.
Pallbearers will be Don Kaufman, Ken Jorstad, Jesus Delgado, Bob Johnson, Larry Eipers and Lowell Olberg. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Lissy and Brad Anderson.
Ferrari Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. For more information,