Harold (Brix) William Sundberg Obituary

While I realize my rewritten obituaries do not reflect what those loved ones at the time would have written, this is another attempt at giving meaning to that dash between birth and death years. My grandfather's original obituary (below) captures none of the essence of the man known as Brix. I share my new obituary for him with the full acknowledgement that it is written only from my viewpoint. His contemporaries would likely have had different memories of the rich tapestry of my grandfather's life. But his wife, daughter, and friends are no longer here. It is up to me to share my limited view, as a granddaughter, for posterity. 

                                                                    Original Obituary 

                                                New Obituary                                                  

                                            (I am still looking for a better photo.)                                         

Harold William Sundberg of 754 Juniper Street, passed away on Sunday, July 10, 1983 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Marquette after a battle with lung cancer. Affectionately called “Brix,” no one recalls how and why he was given this nickname that had followed him since childhood.

 

A lifelong resident of Ishpeming, Michigan, Brix was born to Frank and Erika Wilhelmina (Jerling) Sundberg on May 7, 1902. His parents had immigrated from Sweden and the family treasured their heritage, with Brix especially valuing his family’s Swedish cuisine. The family struggled, forcing Brix to leave school early to help with finances. This, along with the ravages of the Great Depression, left a lasting impression on him. Not one to trust banks, he dealt in cash until ill health forced him to travel to the Mayo Clinic last year when he had to open his first checking account. But he still maintained his propensity to carry cash and would often astound his granddaughters by pulling out hundred dollar bills from his wallet.

 

After meeting Myrtle Richards in high school, the couple enjoyed many happy times with their cousins, Clayton and Inez Simons. Brix was related to Inez and Myrtle to Clayton, so it seemed fitting that they stood for Brix and Myrtle when the couple married on August 12, 1925. The newlyweds moved into the Richards family home on Superior Street, with Myrtle’s parents living on the first floor. They lived here until 1963 and this meant Brix spent over 35 years surrounded by Cornish traditions and food. In his later years, he embraced making pasties with Myrtle and relished peeling potatoes and rutabagas as he told her how to make the crust.

 

Brix and Myrtle’s only child, Barbara, was born on June 17, 1929. Brix doted on his daughter and enjoyed supporting her musical and speaking activities. He was thrilled when she married Coach Bill Hart, although listening to Bill’s football games on the radio made him nervous and he often turned the dial up and down depending on the score of the game. The family had many happy times at their camp on Helen Lake, with holiday gatherings spent with the Simons relatives. Brix’s buddies enjoyed Helen Lake, too. Hunting parties meant saunas, good food and drink, along with poker added to the bird, rabbit, deer, and bear season activities.

 

Brix was delighted to become a grandfather to Kathy and Claudia and often drove to Marquette to see them bringing them savings bonds or a few dollars, which they often used to purchase “dime store” turtles. He loved this as the girls usually named these little pets Myrtle and Brix. Kathy and Claudia have fond memories of their grandfather dressing as Santa during the holidays they shared with the Simons’ clan and of Brix exclaiming, “It’s a daisy” as he watched the family fireworks displays on Helen Lake to celebrate the 4^th of July.

 

Brix was proud of his daughter and granddaughters and was sure he would have a great granddaughter. He was happy when his wish came to pass. He loved holding Kathy’s daughter, Jennifer Lynn, and was proud to be at her baptism last December as he had become more involved with church activities in his later years, which pleased his wife.

 

Brix enjoyed travel, but on his terms. Often the family would drive to Milwaukee for trips but Brix, not liking what he believed to be a long car drive, often flew. He spent time in Canada with friends hunting and fishing and liked to meet his buddies on the golf course. In later years, he and Myrtle spent winter months in Florida. He had a rich life, lived his way, refusing to give up his Camels and Brandy even when diagnosed with cancer. He was determined to enjoy his final days.

 

Brix was a lifelong employee of the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Ore Company. He served as their purchasing agent, retiring after 50 years of service. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the Ahmed Temple Shriners, the Ishpeming Masonic Lodge, and the Wesley United Methodist Church.

 

Brix was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Albert, Amelia (Malloy), and Ernest. He is survived by his wife, Myrtle, daughter, Barbara, her husband William Hart, granddaughters Kathy and Claudia, and great granddaughter, Jennifer, along with several nieces and nephews.

 

Friends may call at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 12 from 4 to 9 pm. Services will be held at 1:30 on Wednesday, July 13 at the funeral home with the Rev. George Luciana officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.