Obituary for Susan Bjerken

Susan Caroline was born to Arthur C. Berg and Ragna Gina (Widseth) Berg on April 19, 1940, in Bagley MN.  The third child of five, having two older and two younger brothers.

She passed away due to complications of aspiration pneumonia and dementia residing at Good Samaritan in Mountain Lake, MN

Susan lived several places in childhood Bagley, Cloquet and her parents eventually opened the B & B Café in McIntosh, MN. She was active in multiple musical endeavors throughout her lifetime with her beautiful soprano voice singing out to the very end, bringing comfort through FaceTime to children and family. 

Susan was baptized on May 11, 1941 at Our Saviors Lutheran in McIntosh, MN. She was confirmed Oct 27, 1954 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in McIntosh MN. She graduated from Mcintosh High School in McIntosh, MN in 1958.

She found the love of her life while attending college at Concordia College Moorhead, MN and was engaged to be married while he was attending NDSU in Fargo, ND. Maurice Jerome (Jerry) Bjerken and Susan C. Berg were united in Holy Matrimony in Our Saviors Lutheran Church in a candlelight ceremony on August 22, 1959. Their honeymoon was at Parkland Resort in Kenora, Ontario.

Susan and Jerry had a large family of 8 living children and 5 miscarriages. She was a Sweet Mama and lovingly cared for her last-born son Jeremiah until 78 years of age. When we realized dementia was setting in we moved her to Mountain Lake MN.  We all have stories to tell of her trips out to help with birth of her grandchildren and helping with surgeries or other Motherly cares, it seems that Mothering was a livelong dedication to us all. Living most of her life in Minnesota, and Billings, MT 

She was known for her strong faith In Jesus, having a gracious spirit, welcoming all who came to her. Opening her home to many for a cup of coffee and warm hug. Cooking for our large family gatherings at our family home every holiday. We would somehow have up to 40 for holidays suppers and desserts.

Susan is survived by Brothers: Chuck (Marge) Berg and John (Sue) Berg, and Brother-in-Law: Ronald Holecek. Sisters -in- Laws:  Barbara Berg, Jean Berg and Sherry (Bjerken) Yeager. Children: Michael (Debra) Bjerken, Kimberly Bjerken, Bradley Bjerken, Scott (Noelia) Bjerken, Chad Bjerken, Joy Colon, Philip (Cassidy) Bjerken and Jeremiah Bjerken. Grandchildren: Andy (Barbara) Mott, Matthew Lalley, Stephanie (Vinod) Tella, Faith (Tyler) Corpron; Katrina (Patrick) Cameron; Nathan (Callie) Schelebo, Daniel Schelebo, Brooklyn and Jonathon Bjerken; Noel (Kelly) Smith and Joshua Bjerken; Payton and Porter Bjerken; Jordyn (Andy) Riesman, Kaleb Colon, Isabella and Keenan Colon; Monet, Abrielle Bjerken and Edgar. Great Grandchildren: Peter and Mary Mott; River Cameron, Raeya Corpron, and Raveena Tella; Esperanza Smith: Everett Schelebo; Luca Reisman, and by multiple nephews and nieces. 

Those that have passed on before:  Parents: Arthur and Ragna Berg, Husband: Maurice Jerome Bjerken. Brothers: Carlin Berg and Raymond Berg. Nephews: Barry Berg and Erik Berg Niece: Nicole Berg Names.

Interment will be in Mamre Cemetery, rural Fosston, in the spring. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, March 10th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Thursday (March 10th) at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the Carlin Facebook page and recorded for viewing later on the Carlin website. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.