Michael George Bjellos, 89, of Nashwauk passed away on January 1, 2025, in Grand Rapids, MN.  Mike was born to Sam and Mary Bjellos in Hibbing on April 27, 1935.  Mike spent his first twelve years in Carson Lake, a mining location just west of Hibbing.  In 1947, the Bjellos family moved to Hibbing where Mike graduated from Hibbing High School in 1953.  He attended Hibbing Community College for two years before continuing his education and graduating from Bemidji State University in 1957.  Mike then attended the University of North Dakota where he earned his Master of Education degree.

During his college years, Mike met his wife, Shirley Hall, also of Hibbing.  Mike and Shirley wed in 1957 and raised five children.

In 1957, Mike began his teaching career in Hill City, MN.  While in Hill City, Mike also served as High School Principal and Superintendent, started the football program and refereed high school basketball.  In 1965, Mike moved to the Nashwauk-Keewatin school district where he served as Principal until his retirement in 1992.  After his retirement, Mike served on the Nashwauk-Keewatin School Board for many years.  Mike is also an inducted member of the Nashwauk-Keewatin Sports Hall of Fame as a Contributor.  During his 35 years as an educator, Mr Bjellos positively impacted the lives of many students, teachers, administrators and school employees.

Mike was also active in many community-based organizations such as the Elks Club, Masonic Lodge and Shriner’s, and served on many charitable organizations and scholarship committees.  He was also a Board member and is a former President of the Swan Lake Country Club.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting and ardently following his favorite Minnesota sports teams - especially his beloved Minnesota Vikings.  During his retirement years, Mike enjoyed curling, bowling and golfing until he was 87 years of age.  He also spent as much time as possible at his cabin on Little Sturgeon.

Mike will be missed by his family and friends and all of those who he touched over the past 89 years.

Mike is survived by his five children: Mary Beth Porter (Gary) of Cohasset, Michele Tarbuck of Grand Rapids, Sally Lehman (Russell) of Hibbing, Michael Jr. (Amy) of Woodbury, and Sara Hood (Brian) of Minnetrista. Eight grandchildren: Jeff Smith; James Tarbuck (Samantha); Levi, Sam and Elizabeth Stottler; Sylvia, George and Max Bjellos.  Mike also has four great grandchildren.  His sister Patricia Welte of Bemidji and sister-in-law, Judy Wilmot of Rochester, MN.

Mike is preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Hall), son-in-law David Tarbuck, his parents and eight siblings: Peter, Cenia (McNairy), Eli, Violet (Latvala), Marian, Margaret, James and Gordon.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 A.M on January 9, 2025 at the Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel... A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 10:00 A.M to 11:30 A.M. prior to the service.

Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing.  To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.