Betty L. Bjerke, 78, of Leeds, ND, formerly of Churchs Ferry, died Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake, ND.  Memorial Services will be Friday, June 20, 2014, 11:00 AM at the Nelson Funeral Home Chapel in Leeds with Pastor Michael Rohrer officiating.  Burial will in the Churchs Ferry Cemetery. Music will be from Doris Michaels, organist.

Betty Lou (Olson) Bjerke was born at Detroit Lakes, MN on November 5, 1935 to Percy and Mary (Harrison) Olson.  They lived in many communities including Buxton, Churchs Ferry and Leeds, ND and Detroit Lakes, MN.  Betty attended school in those cities.  She was employed for a time at a restaurant in Churchs Ferry and later cooked at the Churchs Ferry School.  Betty and Orville Bjerke were married at Maddock, ND on April 22, 1954, making their home in Churchs Ferry.  The couple moved to Leeds in 2000.  Orville passed away April 19, 2013.  Betty recently moved to the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake.

Betty enjoyed crocheting, yard work, planting trees and flower gardening.  She especially enjoyed her grandchildren.

Surviving are her sons:  Brad (Sandra) Bjerke of Stanley, ND and Brian (Carla) Bjerke of Leeds;  a daughter:  Patsy Bjerke of Devils Lake;  a son-in-law:  Robert Christianson of Leeds;  5 grandchildren:  Tyler Bjerke,  Taryn Bjerke,  Elsie Bjerke,  Ethan Bjerke  Jason (Shanna) Christianson;  2 great-grandchildren:  Kendall and Madelyn Christianson; a brother:  Duane (Sue) Olson of Revere, MA;  sisters-in-law:  Bonnie (Ivan) Aabrekke of Minnewaukan and Delores (Dale) Soltis of Bowlus, MN;  numerous nieces and nephews and her special dog, Buffer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband:  Orville; daughter: Peggy Christianson;  brother:  James Olson;  sister:  Marian Baker and an infant brother:  Roger.





Condolences:

We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Aunt Betty. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the family. Find comfort in knowing her love and memories will always be with you.    Jeff and Sally Stoa



I am so sad of the death of your mother and your best friend.. Gods blessings to all of you.  Jeanette Olson



Prayers for her family, she was sweet lady to get to know & smile on face, going miss her Hi's she say saw me with big smile. Melissa



Dear Betty's Family - How sad to hear of Aunt Betty's passing. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace as she is laid to rest. I can't help but think about the joyous reunion in heaven as she is now reunited with Uncle Orville, Peggy, Grandma, my dad, Marian, and baby Roger.  Blessings to all of you - Maribeth