Clifford Bjerke

Clifford Eugene Bjerke was born on July 2, 1938 to Ole and Edith (Marlenee) Bjerke. On May 14, 1960 Cliff married Irene Bachmeier and shared a beautiful marriage of 55 years and together raised 5 children.

Cliff worked many different construction trade jobs throughout his career. He later joined the Union as an Iron Worker and worked for L.H. Sowles Co. in Minnesota and eventually retired.

Cliff moved to Wadena in the fall of 2015 where he made many new friends and enjoyed spending time with Bea Christianson, his partner in crime. Together they went on many adventures and shared lots of laughs.

Cliff loved hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, and watching the Minnesota Vikings. His passion was working on anything with a motor especially the 1950 Willys truck which he restored a few years ago.

He always had good things to say about people and a smile on his face. More than anything, Cliff took pride in the love he had for his family. He was a very strong man who instilled family values as a top priority that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. These family values that Cliff taught will be with the family for generations to come.

Cliff passed away on May 29, 2019 at his home in Wadena, at 80 years of age. Preceding him in death were his parents, Ole and Edith Bjerke; wife, Irene; brothers: Charles “Chuck” Bjerke and Ernest “Ernie” Bjerke; 2 sisters: Francis Torgerson and Agnes Vetter; and grandson, James Steinhaus.

Cliff is survived by his children: Debra (Terry) Kabrud of Wadena; Douglas Bjerke of Wadena; Brian (Julie Bloomquist of Jordan; Brenda (Jeff) Kes of Prior Lake; Joanne (Steve) Kampen of Savage;  12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings: Beverly (Philip) Weber of Mountain Home, Idaho and Darrell (Virginia) Bjerke of Jamestown, North Dakota; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. 

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