Ronald Douglas Bjerke

Marine Sgt. Ronald Douglas Bjerke, 80, passed away September 22nd in his home.

He was born December 12th, 1941 in Bagley, MN to Ole and Edna (Anderson) Bjerke. He received his education in Clearbrook, MN and was raised in the Lutheran faith. He married Annette Rhen of Leonard, MN in 1961.

After being drafted, he joined the Marine Corps in 1966, serving in the Vietnam War with the VMA-311 Tomcats in Chu Lai. He was honorably discharged in June of 1969.

After his Service, Ronnie and Annette moved to Columbia Falls, Montana. They raised two daughters near Glacier National Park where he enjoyed the beauty of the mountains and the goats at Goat Lick Overlook. He loved his job hauling logs for Royal Logging and hauling wood chips in his Kenworth for Plum Creek.

He later married Judy (Olson) Wiggins in December of 1989. They made their home in Bemidji, MN where he gained 3 bonus daughters and their families.

He spent the rest of his career driving his own red, white and blue Kenworth Liberty Limited Edition semi-truck. Ron retired in 2005 but “kept on truckin’” by driving cars for Dondelinger in Bemidji as the Dealer Trade Head Driver.

In his spare time, he loved to make toy wood trucks, bulldozers, kitchens, and cradles for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed telling stories and teasing and making all who knew him laugh.

Ron made a lasting impression on everyone he crossed paths with by his charm, which was only surpassed by the size of his heart. We will all miss the joy, laughter, and love he brought into our lives.

Ron is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judy, five daughters: Nicole Reagan, Rachel (Casey) Bjerke Dasen, Rita (Mike) Drews, Kim (Bob) Holub and Shelley (Terry) Ausk; brother Gary (Janet) Bjerke of Clearbrook, MN; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Our family thanks you for your prayers, condolences and meals as we go through this difficult time.

memorial service

A private military graveside service

September 28, 2022

Location: Seljord Church Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home