Betty Bjerke

Betty J. Bjerke
Vertin-Munson FH
1-701-642-4000

Betty J. Bjerke, 75, Abercrombie, ND, passed away Monday, September 30, 2013 at St. Francis Healthcare Campus, Breckenridge, MN. The Funeral Service will be Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Abercrombie, ND, with Rev. Ken Kirchenwitz officiating. There will be visitation Thursday, from 5 PM to 7 PM with a 7 PM Prayer Service at Willow Creek Chapel, Wahpeton, and one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be at Northland Cemetery, Fort Ransom, ND. Vertin-Munson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Military Honors will be provided by North Dakota Military Honors.

Betty was born March 1, 1938, the daughter of Norman and Susanna (Friday) Nelson. She grew up and attended elementary school in Dwight, ND and graduated from High School in Wahpeton. She served in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1960, returning to the Dwight area after discharge. She worked for Gate City in Fargo, and BW Hardware in Wahpeton. Betty was united in marriage to Harley Bjerke on November 4, 1978 in Wahpeton. The couple resided in Abercrombie, ND. Betty worked for Wal-Mart and M&H Gas Station in Wahpeton before working at the Senior Citizen Center in Abercrombie.

Betty was an active member of the Eagles Auxiliary, where she was the treasurer for several years and past-president. She was also a member of Wahpeton AMVETS. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where she had served on the church council. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, crocheting, knitting, Swedish weaving, and collected Precious Bears and teddy bears.

Betty is survived by her sister, Gladys Vanderwerff, Garrison, ND; a daughter-in-law, Sylvia Nelson, and two granddaughters, Christi and Dawn Nelson, all of Las Vegas, NV; two nieces, Susan Mews and Raeann St. Vincent and two great nieces.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harley, her son, Brian, her sister, Lois Muehler, and a nephew, John Vanderwerff Jr.