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Dave Bjerke Obituary
Dave was born Nov. 27, 1933, in North Dakota, the son of Dave and Florence (Hanson) Bjerke.
Mr. Bjerke served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on a submarine.
Dave was a member of the Teamsters Union for more than 30 years. He retired from driving a truck nationwide in 2002. In his trucking career, he accomplished more than a million miles of safe driving record, and was very proud of the award. He also hauled grain season after season for local farmers.
He enjoyed reading avidly, watching football on TV, doing handiwork around the house and most of all, he cherished his two grandchildren. Mr. Bjerke was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill.
He married Mary Kmucha on June 14, 1964, in Nevada, and she survives in Vergennes. They shared 47 years of marriage.
Other survivors include Amanda Bjerke-Ellet and her husband, Jeremiah Ellet, of Oraville; two grandchildren, Aden Stein and Gabrielle Ellet; two sisters and one brother of California; two sisters-in-law, Cathy Alstat and her husband, Butch Alstat, of Vergennes and Elizabeth Wright and her husband, Donnie Wright, of Kuttawa, Ky.; three brothers-in-law, Raymond Kmucha and his wife, Elaine, of Vergennes, James Kmucha and his wife, Shirley Kmucha, of Ohio; and Frank Kmucha Jr. and his wife, Virginia Kmucha, of Ava; one niece, Sara Alstat of Benton; and two nephews, Mike Kmucha and Jeff Kmucha of Ohio; good friends, Stephanie Green and Pat McCleland; and his best friend, Matt Mason of Vergennes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and one brother.
Mr. Bjerke's body has been cremated and there will be no services. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by all.
In memory of Dave and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 108 S. Pine Street, Campbell Hill, IL 62916.
Pettett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
For more information, visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dave Bjerke
3 Entries
Stephanie Green
December 20, 2011
My favorite memory of Dave was his dry sense of humor. Once when he was in the hospital, two staff members came in to give him a bath prior to emergency surgery. Dave looked at me and said, "I guess they don't do windows." We both starting laughing and the hospital staff thought we were nuts. Dave never judged people by their looks or color but by their actions. Dave loved to read and I always enjoyed talking with him about books and current issues. Dave loved his wife and family. Dave will always have a special place in my heart and I will really miss him.
Nancy Harsy
December 20, 2011
Dear Family,
I am saddened by the loss of Dave. I only saw him last week and we spoke briefly. He told me that he wasn't driving anymore due to his age and we both laughed. He was always one of my dad's favorite employees. And I loved to talk to him about the horses, cattle and truck driving. He was a great person and was always in my heart. He was one of those special people.
December 20, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. Think of you often.
Deb Klump (Dr. macaraeg's office )
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