Esther Bjerke

Esther Bjerke, 94, of Northwood, ND passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Northwood Deaconess Health Center in Northwood. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 6, 2014 at 6:00p.m. at Washington Lutheran Church, rural Northwood. A visitation will be held Friday, June 6, 2014 from 4:00p.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Esther Sorlien was born January 29, 1920 in Ypsilanti, ND to Peder and Gina (Erickson) Sorlien. She grew up and attended school in Hatton, ND. Esther was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Hatton. On October 12, 1938, Esther married Carl Bjerke. She was a full time partner with him on the farm. They farmed around rural Northwood until 1964 until moving to Northwood. Carl and Esther enjoyed spending their winters in Texas. Some of Esther's hobbies include golfing, bowling, quilting, and playing bridge.

Survivors include her son Keith (Marian) Bjerke, Casselton, ND; grandchildren: Cari (Tom) Middelkamp, Mankato, MN, Patti (Lincoln) Bathie, Fargo, ND, Chris (Sandi) Bjerke, Moorhead, MN, Deb (Harwood) Warnsholz, Fargo, ND; great-grandchildren: Cody (Ashley) Middelkamp, Aurora, CO, Matthew Middelkamp, Mankato, MN, Michael Middelkamp, Mankato, MN, McKinnon Bathie, Fargo, ND, Scobie Bathie, Fargo, ND, Aaron Bjerke, Moorhead, MN, Noah Bjerke, Moorhead, MN, Micah Bjerke, Northwood, ND, Emma Ness, Fargo, ND, Sam Warnsholz, Fargo, ND; Sisters: Ruth Berge and Vivian (Melvin) Strande; Esther is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Carl, brothers: Martin (Luella) Sorlien, Gilbert (Alice) Sorlien, Nordeen (Judy) Sorlien, Virgil (Julie) Sorlien, infant brother Russell; Sisters: Hazel (Albert) Bjerke, Pearl (Francis) Hanson, Elinor (Lawrence) Schultz, Leonna (Calmer) Verke and brother-in-law Julius Berge.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Washington Lutheran Church Elevator Fund.