Joseph J. Birchem

Joseph James Birchem, age 72, of Bemidji, Minn. died March 29, 2010 at Havenwood Care Center, Bemidji, MN. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service, Little Falls, Minn. with Fr. Leo Moenkedick officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be Friday, April 2, 2010 11:30 AM in Glen Haven Cemetery, Crystal, Minn. Joseph James Birchem was born December 15, 1937 in Little Falls, Minn. to Joseph and Susan (Trutwin) Birchem. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1955 and then went on to attend the School for Bank Administration at the University of Wisconsin graduating in 1970. Joseph and MaryLu were married in 1963 and shared 45 years of marriage and raised two daughters. He loved to fish, play cards and was loved by all. Survived by daughters, LuAnn (Kevin) Schussman Bemidji, MN, Katie Sue (Tony Bydlon) Birchem Maple Grove, MN; 2 grandchildren, Alex and Annah; brothers, Ben (Doris) Birchem, Bella Vista, Ark., Jim (Kathy) Birchem, Little Falls, Minn.; 4 sisters, Mona Brezinka, Little Falls, Minn., Mary Birchem, Minneapolis, Minn., Ruth (Larry) Hlad, Randall, Minn. and Betty (Rich) Symanietz, St. Martin, Minn. He was preceded in death by his wife, MaryLu; parents; an infant brother and 2 brothers, Douglas and Elroy; 3 sisters, Lorraine Bergren, Irene Roerick and Loretta Larson.