Paula M. Bjorklund

Paula Marie Bjorklund, age 66, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her family. Paula was born on January 19, 1949, daughter of the late USAF Capt. Richard F. and Janice E. (Franquist) Jones. She married Richard J. ‘Rick’ Bjorklund on August 29, 1970. Paula grew up in Okinawa, Japan, Iron Mountain, MI, and Manitowoc, WI. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc in 1967, and from UW-Stevens Point in 1971. During her adult life, Paula lived in Phoenix, AZ, Pontiac, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Rosemont, IL, London, England, Waukesha, WI, Tulsa, OK, and most recently in Merrill, WI. Paula enjoyed cooking, animals, and spending time with her family. She was a kind, caring, and fun loving soul, with a love of life and a wonderful sense of humor. Paula is survived by her husband, Rick; two daughters, Amanda (Scott Washbourne) Bjorklund of Australia, and Jessica (Jeffrey) Fors of Capistrano Beach, CA; Rufus the cat; four grandchildren, Aila, Rowan, Nathan, and Ella; one brother, USAF Col. Ret. Richard (Mariette) Jones of Corpus Christie, TX; two sisters, Patricia (Charles) Kell and Pamela (Richard) Rueckl, both of Menomonie, WI; two brother in laws, James (Pamela) Bjorklund of Merrill, WI, and Robert (Ann) Gregory-Bjorklund of Dundas, MN; father and mother in law, Richard and Evelyn Bjorklund of Merrill; seven nieces and nephews; her aunt Nancy Johnson and cousin Sally Johnson both of Phoenix, AZ; and her cousin Bill Johnson of Chicago,IL. Paula was preceded in death by her parents. Paula’s family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Thursday, August 25, 2016, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the ASPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com