Elmer M. Bjerke

Elmer M. Bjerke, age 94, Moorhead, MN, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2006, at Otter Tail Nursing Home, rural Battle Lake, MN.
Elmer Melvin Bjerke, the son of Lars and Maren (Olson) Bjerke, was born in rural Hatton, ND, on April 1, 1911. He grew up and received his education in the Hatton area.

On April 1, 1934, Elmer was married to Evelyn Thompson at Goose River Lutheran Church near Hatton. They made their home in Hatton, where Elmer worked for Hatton Oil Co. From 1944 to 1955 Elmer owned and operated Bjerke Chevrolet.

In 1955, Elmer and Evelyn moved to Moorhead, MN. Elmer worked for Berg Fargo Motor, as a sales representative, until he retired in 1976. In the late 1970s they moved to Fargo, ND, and Elmer began working for the Fargo Park Department, where he did golf course mowing and care until his mid 80s.

Working at golf courses brought him closer to his passion for golf. He had enjoyed golfing for many years, and after retirement was an active member of the Fargo Senior Golf Tour, where he participated until just a few years ago.

In November of 2002, Evelyn and Elmer moved to Eventide Linden Tree Circle in Moorhead. His wife, Evelyn died on June 13, 2004. Elmer continued to live at Linden Tree Circle until December of 2005, when because of failing health, he moved to Otter Tail Nursing Home in rural Battle Lake, MN.

In addition to his wife, Evelyn, Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and three sisters.

Elmer is survived by two sons, Leon "Lee" (Mary) Bjerke, Battle Lake, MN and Gary (Jean) Bjerke, Belvedere, IL; a brother, Lynn Bjerke, Stanwood, WA; a sister, Judy (Carl) Stendahl, St. Paul, MN; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation: One hour prior to the funeral, at the church.
Funeral service: Monday, Jan. 16, 2006, at 2:00 PM in Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, Minnesota.

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Hatton, ND.