Mahnomen - Julius O. Bjerken, 80, died Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.
Services were held Monday, February 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen with Father Ron Meyer officiating. Diane Spaeth was the organist, and vocal music was provided by Carol Buschette. Casketbearers were Bill Bjerken, Brian Bjerken, Brent Bjerken, Terry Bjerken, Troy Winter and Tony Winter. Honorary casketbearers are Julius' grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was held at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen. The Mattson Funeral Home of Mahnomen was in charge of the arrangements.
Julius O. Bjerken was born December 4, 1917 in Mahnomen, the son of Gustav and Nettie (Olson) Bjerken. He attended school in Mahnomen and in the 1930's went to CCC camp. He worked for area farmers before his marriage to Eleanor Walz on September 24, 1942 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Julius worked at the creamery in Mahnomen and later owned his own cream truck. From 1945 to 1978, he was employed by Soo Line Railroad, first as a section foreman and then as a track inspector for 15 years before retiring.
Julius was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in Theif River Falls and Young at Heart Senior Citizens in Mahnomen.
After retirement, he enjoyed woodworking and crafts and penny bingo at senior citizens. He also enjoyed telling stories, singing songs, and playing the guitar, harmonica and organ.
Julius is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Mahnomen; three sons, Ben (Virginia) of Thief River Falls, John (Judy) of Kansas City, MO and Dennis (Shirley) of Moorhead; one daughter, Deloris (Ron) Winter of Thief River Falls; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gilbert (Bernice) of Mahnomen and Arthur (Arlys) of Hutchinson; and six sisters, Bernice Backen, Norma Johnson and Jean (Robert) Hanson, all of Mahnomen, Lorraine (Allan) Peterson of Twin Valley, Darlene McArthur of Detroit Lakes and Gloria (Roger) Freund of Callaway.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Lloyd and Melvin.