Ihlor K. Bjerke

Ihlor Kenneth Bjerke, 97, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away on May 10, 2010 at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Ihlor was born on March 26, 1913 in Ulen, Minnesota, to Cornelius and Mabel (Holte) Bjerke. He grew up in the Ulen area, where he spent his summers working as a farm hand, doing the field work with horses. On October 22, 1939, Ihlor was united in marriage to LaVern Gunderson in Flom, Minnesota. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in October 2009. Ihlor worked at Pederson Grocery Store, until he bought Bjerke Locker Plant with his brother, Conn. He sold the business when ill health forced him to an early retirement. While in Ulen, Ihlor was active in many community functions. He was instrumental in bringing attention to the Viking sword that was found near Ulen and also served as a Boy Scout Master, Ulen Village Council and Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council. Ihlor also found time to sing for the menchr(39)s chorus, church choir, duets and a quartet that went to a state competition. Ihlor and LaVern retired to Strawberry Lake, where they spent time gardening, refinishing furniture and of course fishing. They loved to fish together, especially at night and were fortunate enough to catch many large walleye and northern pike. Ihlor and LaVern spent nine years in Oregon, where they were active in Senior Citizen for Christ, going to nursing homes where Ihlor was able to sing his favorite songs and hymns about his Lord and Savior, when they returned to Detroit Lakes. They were active volunteers at Emmanuel Community. Ihlor was still able to sing at chapel services and special events at the age of ninety-seven. Ihlor is survived by his wife, LaVern of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Kathy Bjerke of Richwood, MN; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew. Ihlor was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Darwin, his sister, Ruby Dunham and brother, Conn Bjerke. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone who visited Ihlor at the nursing home and thank you to the caring and understanding staff at Emmanuel Community and Lamplighter Manor.