Michael Lou Bjornstad

Mike Bjornstad passed away on September 15, 2025, at the age of 74. A man of deep faith, boundless curiosity, and generous spirit, Mike lived a full and vibrant life marked by service, creativity, and a love for his family, community, and the natural world. Mike’s life was rich in experiences and defined by his tireless enthusiasm for learning, building, exploring, and helping others.

A true renaissance man, Mike’s hobbies and passions were as varied as they were useful; he was a winemaker, beekeeper, baker, mechanic, photographer, and a gardener. Mike loved the outdoors — whether hunting, road-tripping on his Harley, trail riding on horseback, sailing on the Puget Sound, driving his bright red VW Beetle that he restored or carefully recording bird sightings for his life-list containing 335 species. As a lifelong builder, he built three of his own homes and generously shared these skills with friends and family whenever they asked.

He served his community with dedication as a city councilperson for the City of Bridgeport, where he retired, and was an active member of the Catholic Church, where he served in many roles over the years including on the Parish Council and as a Eucharistic Minister.

Professionally, he served his country as a Military Police officer in Panama during the 1970s, was a mining prospector with his brothers, built sailing yachts, and worked for the City of Bellingham Parks Department. Mike also had a long and accomplished career in construction including: building homes with his brothers, working on projects as far away as Alaska and Texas, and later becoming a trusted project manager and estimator for large developments across the country. Locally, many will remember him as the friendly and knowledgeable man behind the counter at the local building supply store.

But most of all, Mike was a family man. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandpa to three grandchildren (and their doggies). He was the person everyone called for help, or guidance, or just to hear his steady voice.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Dolores Bjornstad and by his first wife, Jenine Bjornstad. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Frances Bjornstad; his children, Mishele (Ben) Myers, and Melanie (Jarrod) Faehnrich; his cherished grandchildren Jaylin, and Henry Myers, and Ruby Faehnrich. His siblings, Shorty (Cindy), and Jim (Windy) Bjornstad, and Penny (Rick) Olson.

In every life he touched, Mike left a legacy of kindness, can-do spirit, and humor. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248, followed by a church reception and burial at Ten Mile Cemetery, 6268 Medcalf Rd, Lynden, WA 98264.