H. Kenneth Bjerke

H. Kenneth Bjerke was born May 14, 1920 in Toronto, South Dakota to George and Inga (Bren) Bjerke. He was the seventh of twelve children. After high school, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army. During World War II, he served his country with the 34th Red Bull Division from 1941 to 1945. He was stationed in Italy and Northern Africa. Kenneth was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in action. Kenneth was united in marriage to Lucille Hardie on December 31, 1946. Together the couple moved to Clear Lake, SD where they owned a Standard Oil Station for nine years. In 1958, Ken and Lucille moved with their three children to Clarissa, MN. He purchased the Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store. Ken and Lucille settled on a hobby farm in Alexandria in 1968. Ken worked at the 3M plant for 18 years until his retirement in 1985. Together Ken and Lucille celebrated 63 years, three children, and four grandchildren. When he wasn?t working hard, Ken enjoyed traveling in his motor home and escaping Minnesota winters with his friends in Arizona. In his prime, Ken was quite the dancer. He and Lucille enjoyed square dancing for many years; together they floated across the dance floor. Ken was never found indoors on his hobby farm. He was either deer hunting, fishing, or woodworking in his tool shed. He was also busy as a member of the American Legion, VFW, First Lutheran Church, and several bowling teams. Above all, Ken enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Ken and Lucille moved to Arabella Manor in Alexandria where they could often be found playing cards or watching their Minnesota Twins. H. Kenneth Bjerke passed away on August 17, 2010 at his home. He is survived by his wife Lucille, his children: Craig Bjerke (Esther), Dawn Reed, and Kathy Walters, and his grandchildren: Dustin Walters, Eric Bjerke, Erin Walters, and Jade Bjerke. He is also survived by four siblings: Edna Llorente, Norma Selix, Phyllis Svennes, and Richard Bjerke. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and three sisters. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Rev. John Peshek officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren: Dustin Walters, Erin Walters, Eric Bjerke, Jade Bjerke. Pallbearers were Orland Thompson, Dave Henrichs, Larry McCartney, Mike Golden, Harry Hughes, Roger Sorenson. Military Honors were by American Legion Post 87, VFW Post 936, and MN National Honor Guard.