Mark Robert Bjorem

Mark Robert Bjorem, 56 – beloved husband, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, bonus dad, and grandpa (Bubba) passed away on July 23, 2026. He was born in Idaho and was adopted into the loving Bjorem family in 1969.

The family moved and settled in Tempe, Arizona. Mark attended Tempe High School and joined the US Navy after graduation. He served active duty as a gunners mate for four years, then continued his service in the Navy Reserves for an additional twenty years. He retired in 2010 with honors. Upon his return, he attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University before going on to the Arizona Culinary Institute. His passion for cooking was supreme.

In 2012, he began working within the Arizona Game and Fish Department at the Ben Avery Shooting Range. Although he loved being in a professional kitchen, this was the job he loved the very most.

Mark was an avid fan of sports. He loved the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns. His biggest sports passion was for all teams of Arizona State University. He was a lifelong loyal fan of ASU and always cheered for the Sun Devils and anyone who was playing against the University of Arizona Wildcats.

Mark leaves behind his wife, Diane; his father, David Bjorem (Phoenix, Arizona); his three adult bonus children, Mark Anthony Malone (Flagstaff, Arizona), Samuel James Malone (Glendale, Arizona), and Mollie Nicole Malone (Madison, Wisconsin); his beloved, treasured granddaughter, Emberlynn Denae Malone; his sister, Elisabeth Bjorem (Phoenix, Arizona); his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Bonnie Bjorem (Seaside, Oregon); his mother-in-law, Connie Evans (Glendale, Arizona); his nephew and niece-in-law, Joshua and Natalie Bjorem and their children (Clarksville, Tennessee), Abrienna Bjorem (Portland, Oregon) and Olivia Bjorem (Hillsboro, Oregon); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Heater Bjorem; his sister Angela Bjorem; his father-in-law, Tad Evans; and his brother-in-law, Brett Evans.

Services with U.S. Navy military honors for Mark will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2:00pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85018. Reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mark’s name to the Wildlife Conservation Network. https://wildnet.org/our-impact