Ormand Bjerke

Ormand Boyd Bjerke, 89, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Ormand was born February 1, 1926 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the son of Olav and Bertina (Langseth) Bjerke. He was raised in Mekinock, ND and attended school in Gilby, ND. He entered the Army on August 21,1944 as a rifleman and small arms weapon mechanic. He was in the 106th infantry division during World War II in France, Belgium, and Germany. He was honorably discharged on June 26, 1946, then becoming an auto body repairman and foreman until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Marian Jenson on July 3, 1949 in East Grand Forks, MN; they have celebrated 65 years of marriage. They had four children. Ormand was a member of United Lutheran Church and enjoyed being a greeter. He loved to visit with people and tell jokes. I'm sure everyone who knows him could tell you a joke or two of his. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He loved fishing, watching the Twins and Vikings, and being at the lake with family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Ormand is survived by his sons Richard of Fargo, ND; Brian, Bygland, MN; and daughter DeAnn Purcell (Grant Purcell), Grand Forks, ND; daughter-in-law Debbie Krause Bjerke, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren Nicholas Bjerke (Shelley Bjerke), Curtis Bjerke (Sarah Bjerke), Kristen Carino (Jenson Carino), Jessica Ryan (Johnny Ryan), and Lucas Purcell; great grandchildren, Braden, Bella, and Bryson Bjerke, Avery and Addison Carino. Ormand was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marian, 1 brother, 1 sister, son Jeffrey and granddaughter Lindsey. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, October 12 in United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817, the American Legion Post #157 and the North Dakota Army National Guard. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks.