June 30, 1952 – Dec. 21, 2025

Marjorie “Marg” Jane Thomas Bjarnarson, 73, passed away on Dec. 21, 2025 with her sons Chase and Hunter by her side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Spirited, energetic, and optimistic, Marg was born June 30, 1952, on Washington Island, Wisconsin, to William “Bill” Jared Thomas and Beverly Jane Koyen Thomas. Raised in a military family, her childhood unfolded across many places as her family followed assignments, including Sturgeon Bay, Port Huron, Michigan; Cape May, New Jersey; East Meadow on Long Island, New York; and Roberts, llinoisL. These early years instilled in her a lifelong adaptability, curiosity, and deep appreciation for the world around her.

After Marg’s father retired from the US Coast Guard, her family settled in Roberts, where she graduated from Roberts-Thawville High School in 1970. Following the death of her grandfather, Roland A. Koyen, in February 1971, Marg returned to Washington Island to stay with her grandmother, Florence Koyen. She remained on the island after Florence’s passing later that spring, beginning a chapter that would shape the rest of her life—barefoot and fancy-free.

On Dec. 30, 1988, Marg married Lee Charles Bjarnarson. Together, they built a life rooted in family and community. Marg became a pillar of Washington Island working in restaurants, managing the Washington Town Mutual Insurance Company, teaching Sunday School, supporting local arts through the Island Players, and raising her family with dedication and care. Marg was admired for her creativity and eye for design; her home and recently opened gift shop were a testament to her attention to detail and ability to create beauty and warmth.

A loving and fiercely devoted mother, Marg’s greatest pride was her two sons, Chase and Hunter. She shared a special bond with each of them through the passions they enjoyed together, creating connection, joy, and countless treasured hours side by side.

Marg developed a lasting love for Washington Island and her family’s multi-generational connection to it, as well as for nature, her Labrador retrievers, and her beloved deer. She was a protector with a tender heart. Not only did Marg become friends with every deer that came across the family properties, she gave them each a name.

Marg is survived by her husband, Lee Bjarnarson; her sons, Chase and Hunter; her older sister, Jean Thomas Fox (Steve); her younger brother, Bill Thomas Jr. (Wendy); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Beverly Thomas.

In lieu of a traditional visitation and funeral, the family will hold a private graveside service. Memorials may be made to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW).

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC in Sister Bay are caring for the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Marjorie may be shared with her family through her tribute page at CaspersonFuneralHome.com