Services for Ardys Irene Bjerke

            Ardys Irene Bjerke, 92, of Clearbrook, MN, went home to our Lord while residing at Havenwood Care Center, Bemidji, MN on December 27th, 2020, with her children by her side.  Due to COVID restrictions, a family service will be held at Sinclair Cemetery.

Ardys was born on March 15th, 1928, at home in rural Leonard, MN, the daughter of Odin and Emma (Moen) Johnson.  She completed 1st through 8th grade at Pine Grove School, District 15, in Sinclair Township.  While growing up with three brothers, it has been said, “She was quite a tomboy in her early years.”  She could shoot clothes pins off a clothesline with a 22 pistol.  While the boys helped their dad in the barn and with field work, she worked with her mom in the garden and learned to cook.  She was a wonderful cook!

Ardys married Orval Bjerke on April 16th, 1948. Following their marriage, they lived in Adams, ND, where Ardys worked as a waitress.  They then moved to Richmond, CA, where Ardys again worked as a waitress and a cashier.  Four years later, Orval and Ardys moved back to rural Leonard and purchased a farm.  During that time, she also worked at Granley’s grocery store in Clearbrook.  In 1967, they purchased Clearwater Lake Store, which they owned for 19 years.  In the early years, they had a lunch counter where she always enjoyed visiting while preparing and serving delicious meals, yummy baked treats, and endless cups of coffee.  During the summer months, people enjoyed the campground and coming to the lake.  In the winter, people stopped at the store while going ice fishing and snowmobiling on the nearby trails. After retirement they moved to Clearbrook.

Ardys volunteered for several years at the Clearbrook Senior Citizens Center where she enjoyed braiding rugs and working in the craft shop.  She was a member of Good Shepherd Church, WELCA, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 256 for 50 years. With her servant heart, no wasn’t in her vocabulary. She was always willing to help in any way she could.

            Ardys, at the age of 85, moved to Good Samaritan Center in Clearbrook and later to Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji. We would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing homes and the extraordinary staff that took such great care of our Mom!

            She will be sadly missed. Our cherished memories will include her kind, loving, giving nature.

Ardys is survived by her children: son Gary (Loretta) Bjerke of Pinewood, MN, daughter Patricia Bjerknes of Woodbury, MN, and son Bruce (Debbie) Bjerke of Leonard, MN; six grandchildren:  Dan (Sommer) Bjerknes, Ryan (Pam) Bjerke, Heidi (Ethan) Johnson, Darin (Ingrid) Bjerknes, Brandon (Jessica) Bjerke, and Jason (Jaime) Bjerke; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother Duane (Betty) Johnson, one sister-in-law Wanda (Dwayne) Matz and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 55 years, Orval, who passed away in 2003; her parents Odin and Emma Johnson; brother and sister-in-law Arlie and Frances Johnson, and brother Kermit Johnson.

 

Richards Publishing

P.O. Box 159
239 2nd Ave
Gonvick, MN 56644
Telephone: (218) 487-5225
email: richards@gvtel.com

 

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