Marian L. Bjerke

Marian Lorraine Bjerke, 86, died Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Marian was born January 5, 1929 in Bygland Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Edward and Emma (Torgerson) Jenson. Marian attended grade school at Dist 92 in Bygland and then graduated from East Grand Forks Central High School, Class of 47. She was united in marriage to Ormand Bjerke on July 3, 1949 in East Grand Forks, MN; they have celebrated 65 years of marriage. They had four children. Marian was an OB Tech at United Hospital until her retirement. She had been employed at Deaconess Hospital and United Hospital 25 years. Marian was a member of United Lutheran Church and belonged to the quilting circle, which she so enjoyed. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved flowers and birds and enjoyed planting and caring for them. She enjoyed helping and caring for people and you could always count on her. Marian will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Marian is survived by her husband, Ormand; 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; brothers Stanley Jenson, Grand Forks, ND, and Leonard Jenson, Andover, MN; grandchildren, Nicholas Bjerke (Shelley Bjerke), Curtis Bjerke (Sarah Bjerke), Kristen Carino (Jensen Carino), Jessica Ryan (Johnny Ryan), and Lucas Purcell; great grandchildren, Braden Bjerke, Bella Bjerke, Bryson Bjerke, Avery Carino, and Addison Carino. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, 10 brothers, 3 sisters, granddaughter Lindsey Bjerke, and son Jeffrey Bjerke. Funeral services will Friday, April 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut Street, Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7PM in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd St., Grand Forks. Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.