Virginia Holmgren

Born on September 22, 1928, in Ishpeming, Michigan, Virginia was the daughter of the late Patrick and Verna (Oikari) Lyons. She graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1946 and soon began building a life centered around family, faith, and community.

Raising her six children was Virginia’s greatest joy and accomplishment. Her home was always full of warmth, love, and laughter-a place where everyone felt welcome. Once her children were grown, she continued her nurturing spirit by working as a ‘lunch lady’ for the Ishpeming Public School District at C.L. Phelps and Birchview Schools. She loved the students she served and worked to age 80, making countless friends along the way.

Virginia was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she volunteered with the Women’s Guild and was active in parish life. She was also a proud member of the Ishpeming VFW Auxiliary, finding meaning in serving her community.

Those who knew Virginia will remember her for her gentle heart, her quick smile, and her love for the simple things in life. She enjoyed knitting-especially making prayer shawls for others-along with word search and jigsaw puzzles. But what she loved most was gathering her family together. Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter were treasured times, full of food, laughter, and the joy of togetherness.

Virginia is survived by her six children: Paul ‘Hummer’ (Lorrie) Holmgren, Barbara (Alan) Bakalarski, Beverly Luoma, Debra (Steven) Carlson, Suzanne (Richard) Shaffer, and Linda Wells; her sister, Patricia LaFreniere; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Holmgren; her parents, Patrick and Verna Lyons; her brothers, Charles and James Lyons; her grandson, Daniel Carlson; and her sons-in-law, John Luoma and Thomas Cody.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Monday, November 10, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon with Fr. Jernej Sustar officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church or to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) at upaws.org in memory of Virginia.

Virginia’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Marquette County Medical Care Facility and to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice for their compassion and kindness.

Her obituary and guestbook may be viewed and signed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.