Donna Bjerklie

Donna Delores Bjerklie, 96, of Gilby, ND passed away on February 7, 2020 under the care of Hospice at her daughter’s home in West Fargo, ND. Donna was born in Grand Forks, ND on April 4, 1923, the daughter of Elerd and Sophia (Sanders) Bekkedahl of Mekinock, ND.

Donna married LeRoy Bjerklie on October 20, 1946.  They lived in Grand Forks for several years  and eventually moved from there to live on the farm where Donna grew up to raise their children. Donna bought a new home in 2003 and moved it to live next door to her daughter in Gilby, ND.  Donna devoted her life to caring for her family. She was an excellent seamstress, was an avid quilter and crafter and loved tending her flower gardens. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren thought she made the best lefse and donuts they had ever tasted. She was an active and life long member of Ness Lutheran Church in Mekinock. 

Donna is survived by six children, Roger Bjerklie of Bismarck, ND, Laurie Swank of Chandler, AZ, Trish (Curt) Noyes of Punta Gorda, FL, Marie (Kim) Cronquist of Gilby, ND, Kristi (Paul) Kohlman of Sartell, MN and Tessi (Darin) Haverland of West Fargo, ND.

Seventeen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy, on December 18, 1992, her parents, her brothers, Kenneth (Marie) Bekkedahl and Elroy (Isabel) Bekkedahl and her three infant grandchildren, Hailey, Dillon and Garrett Haverland.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m. at Ness Lutheran Church, Mekinock, ND.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11th with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.

The family suggests that memorials be considered for Hospice of the Red River Valley.