LaVern I. Bjerke

LaVern I. Bjerke age 95 of Detroit Lakes, MN died June 11, 2011 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes. LaVern was born to Benhart and Sophia Larson Gunderson on February 2, 1916 at their home in Flom, MN. She attended school in Flom until the 8th grade and then went to live with an aunt in Twin Valley, MN where she finished high school. On October 22, 1939 LaVern was united in marriage to Ihlor Bjerke. They made their home in Ulen where they were both active in their church and community. LaVern taught Sunday School and held offices in Ladies Aid and circles. Her main job was staying at home with their two children, where she loved to cook, bake, and garden. When her children were older she helped in the family business which was Bjerkechr(39)s Locker Service. Following their retirement they moved to their favorite place, Strawberry Lake, where they enjoyed fishing, gardening, refinishing furniture and of course her delicious cooking and baking. They moved to Oregon for nine years where they were active in Senior Citizens for Christ. When they returned to Detroit Lakes they were volunteers at Emmanuel Community. LaVern will always be remembered for her ever present warm loving smile, her gentleness, goodness, patience, faithfulness, and peaceful countenance which was reflective of her Christian walk. And of course anyone who tasted her scrumptious cooking and baking would never forget it. LaVern lost her husband of seventy years in May of 2010 but now will be happily reunited in heaven. Also precededing her in death was their only son Darwin. Surviving are her sister Vivei Strang, of Detroit Lakes, MN; brother, Junior Gunderson, of Salinas, CA; daughter Kathy Bjerke, of Richwood, MN; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone who visited LaVern in the nursing home and the caring staff at Emmanuel and Lamplighter Manor.