Neil Bjerke

Neil Bjerke, 78, of Fargo, ND and formerly of Hatton, ND passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Sanford Health Center in Fargo. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 22, 2015 at 1:00p.m at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00p.m at First Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Neil Ellsworth Dennis Bjerke was born October 7, 1937 at Hatton, ND to Oscar and Augustine (Beck) Bjerke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Hatton. Neil attended Hatton High School and enlisted in the United States Navy at 17. Neil was on destroyers in the Navy: The Harvestion, Lansing and the Maddox. He served as a radioman, which he was very good at. As the years went by, Neil became an Electronic Technician in the Navy. He traveled all over. He would stop at numerous ports, doing repairs for ships and entertainment for the sailors, providing relief from the ocean. Neil was in Vietnam on the Maddock for 9 months. He was also on land duty, patrolling the rivers, which was also very dangerous. On February 4, 1961, Neil married Wanda Johnson in Crookston, MN.

Neil retired from the Navy in 1974, after 20 years of service. After the Navy, Neil worked many jobs. He was the caretaker of a cemetery in Moorhead, Concordia, which he enjoyed. He then went on to work at Elim Nursing Home and then to work at the Post Office.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda, Fargo, ND; sons: Roger Bjerke; Mark Bjerke; Brian (Kristyl) Bjerke, all of Fargo, ND; grandsons: Kierran and Brandon Bjerke.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Larry; sisters: Joann, Faye and Pam; and a baby brother.