William Leroy Bjerkness

William Leroy Bjerkness was born on January 20, 1970 in Alexandria, MN, the oldest son of Raymond and Janice (Hoppe) Bjerkness. Will graduated from Brandon High School in 1988 where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He then enlisted into the United States Navy and was trained in Nuclear Power. Will moved back to Brandon and began taking classes at Alexandria Technical College. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Drafting, Design and Engineering Technology. Will used his education to work at Douglas Machine for 18 years. He then worked at Aagard, and was currently employed with Massman Automation Designs in Villard, MN. Will was very active in a number of organizations including Viking Sportsman, MN Deer Hunters Assoc., Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and Alexandria Sertoma. He generously volunteered his time and energy to each of these organizations and was currently acting as President of the Alexandria Sertoma Club. Will loved to hunt deer, pheasants, and ducks. He enjoyed being outdoors by playing softball, four-wheeling, and attending country music festivals. Will was a great son, brother, and friend to many. He was always ready to help a friend out when they needed a hand. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. William L. Bjerkness died on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the St. Cloud Hospital at the age of 45 years old. He is survived by his parents Raymond and Janice Bjerkness of Brandon; brother Scott (Missy) Bjerkness of Bryson City, NC; nieces and nephews Isaac, Adie, Josiah, Lily, and Miriam Bjerkness all of Bryson City, NC; aunts Carol (Gary) Pope of Mainland China; Sarah (Colan) Aranio of Wahiawa, Hawaii; Lenora (Steve) Koltes of Minneapolis and Delores (Steve) Hedrick of Minneapolis, many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:30AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7PM with a 4PM Parish Prayers at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the mass at the church on Saturday. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. Casket Bearers were Scott Larson, Russ Esterberg, Derek Klimek, Russ Bjerkness, Dan Nolan, and Curt Diekman. Honorary Casket Bearers were the Berg family, Klimek Family, and all of the professionals Willie had worked with throughout his career. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. www.andersonfuneral.net In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Special Olympics or to donors choice.

William Leroy Bjerkness

January 20, 1970 - February 23, 2015