Ronald Bjerke Obituary
Ron Bjerke, 88, of Brookings, passed away peacefully at the Neighborhoods on February 20th, 2025. Ronald Charles Bjerke was born to Gerhard and Lillian (Swartos) Bjerke on July 23, 1936 in Volga. He was raised on the family farm south of Volga. He graduated from Volga High School in 1954 and worked several years at the local creamery. Ron was in the National Guard for 10 years. In 1956 he married the love of his life, Wilma VanHoepen, in the Volga First Reformed Church, they were blessed with 4 children.
Ron began as an apprentice gas service man at Northwestern Public Service in 1956 and worked up to division manager in 1974. He retired after 42 years. After retirement, they spent winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Ron enjoyed hunting, golfing, traveling, playing cards with friends, and tinkering in his gravel pit.
Ron was active in Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Brookings Fire Department, Kiwanis, City Commission, Brookings Elks 1490, on the boards of the Area Development Corp and Library. He was a charter member of the Faith Reformed Church which recently celebrated 50 years in Brookings.
He is survived by Wilma, wife of 67 years, sister Judy Havrevold, brother Bryan Bjerke (Lisa), sister-in-law Adriana Kleinjan, brother-in-law, Harold VanHoepen and sister-in-law, Beverly Bjerke. Ron and Wilma had four children Brad (Sandy) Bjerke (children Bridget (Alex), Will and Hattie), Jeff (Pat) Bjerke (children Stephen and David), Todd Bjerke (child Nathan), and Lisa (Charlie) Sievers (children Lindsey and Rachel). He recently met his great-grandson, Archie Isaacson.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald and brother-in-law Ray Havrevold. Visitations will be held at Eidsness Funeral Home on Tuesday February 25th from 5 – 7 pm. Funeral services will be held at Faith Reformed Church at 10:30 am on Wednesday February 26th. Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice, or the Faith Reformed Church building fund.
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To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Ronald "Ron" Bjerke, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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1617 Orchard Drive PO Box 704, Brookings, SD 57006
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