Connie Bjerke

1941 - 2025

Connie Bjerke

July 24, 1941 - September 5, 2025

Madison - Connie M. (Poole) Bjerke, died September 5, 2025, at age 84. Her long arduous journey with Alzheimer's has ended.

Connie was born July 24, 1941, to Howard and Eleanor Poole in Madison, Wisc. Growing up in Madison, Connie's childhood playgrounds included the State Capitol, Bascom Hill, with summer days spent at Picnic Point. The family then moved to Hartford, Wisc., where she made lifelong friends and graduated from Hartford High.

Connie made her way back to Madison after spending a short time in Milwaukee after high school. She started her retail career with Manchester's Department store on the square as a Buyer of "silver and fine china". There she would meet Robert Bjerke. Connie said she knew at eight years old she would get married on July 24, 1965, and that she did. Bob and Connie were married at St. Bernard Church in Madison on July 24, 1965, Connie's 24th birthday.

Connie continued to work at Manchester's until 1968. In September of 1968 their daughter, Melissa, was born, and in 1971 their son, Michael, arrived. Connie volunteered at the St. Mary's hospital gift shop and then went into business for herself with a gift shop in Waunakee, called Villager Gifts. She enjoyed her customers but eventually grew weary of the long retail hours. Connie then worked in the Madison School District working in Special Education and was a strong advocate for her students. Upon retirement, she and Bob moved to Palm Coast, Fla., to enjoy the warm sunshine and get out of the cold Wisconsin winters! They volunteered at various food pantries, made many trips to St. Augustine and beyond, just to "find a new place for lunch". They enjoyed spending time with friends watching Packer games. Badger basketball was one of Connie's favorite things, and she watched with great intensity. Grandkids brought Connie and Bob back to Wisconsin where they were able to enjoy time at the pool or just playing Uno.

Connie had a full and happy life; even when Alzheimer's had substantially taken hold, her personality continued to shine through. She loved her root beer floats and remained a little sassy even in her final days.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 57 years, Bob.

She is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Jeff) Markgraf; son, Michael (Dana) Bjerke; granddaughter, Abigail; and grandson, Brody; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Liz Poole; along with many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank those that participated in her care at Drumlin Reserve and the Agrace Hospice team. We are exceedingly grateful for the compassion shown to Connie and our family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Agrace Hospice care or the Alzheimer's Association.

Please share your memories at www.informedchoicefunerals.com.

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives

3325 E. Washington Ave. Madison, WI 53704

(608) 249-6758