Lester D. Bjerke

Lester Derall Bjerke, 66, of Bagley, MN died on Monday, August 28, 2023 at the Sanford Bagley Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Leonard, Minnesota with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at Norway Lake Cemetery in Leonard, MN. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley assisted the family with arrangements.
Les was born on September 15, 1956 to Roy and Gladys (Erickson) Bjerke in Bagley, MN. He grew up in Leonard and graduated from Clearbrook High School. He worked as a mechanic for awhile and then worked for the Brunsbergs at the hardware store for some time. Later he worked for the Clearbrook Wild Rice Plant until he retired in 2018.
Les married Ginger Brusewitz and together they raised 2 daughters. They later separated and Les married Bridgette Close and helped raise her three children. They later separated. He was the best dad. He was always there for his children and taught them and shared his passion for mechanics by building snowmobiles and working on mustangs together. Les loved anything to do with cars, from buying and selling to fixing them up. He was very meticulous and liked things clean. He loved fishing and visiting with company and playing with his grandchildren. Les was always there to help whoever needed it. He was very generous not only with his time, but anything anyone needed. He will be tremendously missed.
Les is survived by his children, Kari (Vern) Wittenberg, Chelsea Bjerke, Cheri (Alex) Close, Dustin (Alexis) Close, and Emily (Justin) Close; his grandchildren, Peyton, Anessa, Michael, Nevaeh, Skylee, Kai, Jayden, Easton, Jackson, Braxton, Lily, Liam, and one on the way; his twin brother, Lowell Bjerke; his brother, Ronnie Bjerke; his sisters, Carol Sauer, Donna Felt, and Shirley Aakre; his girlfriend, Jan Busch; his brother-in-law, James Chesley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Gladys Bjerke; and his sister, Joyce Chesley.
In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Clearwater Life Center or the Clearbrook Senior Citizens Center in Les's name.