Orval
Bjerke, 80
Clearbrook
- Orval Bjerke, 80, of Clearbrook, died in his
home surrounded by his family on Saturday November
1, 2003.Funeral Services were held
Tuesday,
November 4, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in
Clearbrook, with the Reverend Dan Bowman
officiating. Interment was at the Sinclair Township
Cemetery in Leonard, MN.
Orval
was born January 8, 1923 in rural Clearbrook, the
son of Ole and Randi (Haltli) Bjerke. He grew up in
rural Clearbrook and attended the Beard School in
Leon Township through eighth grade, graduating from
Clearbrook High School in 1943. He then moved with
his parents to Richmond, Calif. and worked in the
shipyards. He enlisted in the service on March 22,
1944 and served in the Marines as a corporal. He
was honorably discharged on May 2, 1946. After his
discharge from the Marines, he attended the Mohler
Barber College in Fargo, N.D.
Orval
was united in marriage to Ardys Johnson on April
16, 1948 in Clearbrook. Following their marriage he
worked as a barber in Larimore and Adams, N.D. They
then moved to Richmond, Calif., where he worked at
American Standard. Four years later they moved to
Leonard and farmed in Sinclair Township. In 1968
they purchased and operated the Clearwater Lake
Store and Campground for 19 years. During
retirement they moved back to Clearbrook. During
his life, he was a member of the Melvin Johnson
American Legion Post #256 of Clearbrook, he served
on the Sinclair Township Board and was a member of
the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served on the
church council. Orval enjoyed spending time with
his family, watching sports (especially boxing) and
the world news and doing small engine repair.
Orval
is survived by his wife, Ardys of Clearbrook; two
sons sons, Gary (Loretta) of Leonard, and Bruce
(Debbie) of Leonard; one daughter, Patricia (Ron)
Bjerknes of Thief River Falls; six grandchildren;
two brothers, Gilbert (Grace) of El Sobrante,
Calif. and Percy (Ardell) of Erskine; three
sisters, Gilma Logelin of Clearbrook, Harriet (Al)
Wasson of Prior Lake, Verna (Al) Harvath of
Richfield; and several nieces and
nephews.
He
was preceded in death by his parents, and one
sister, Irene (Fellman). A00003B2003NV05
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