Obituary for LaVerne D. Bjerke

LaVerne D. Bjerke, 88, died peacefully on May 10, 2023 at Springbrook in Onalaska. LaVerne was born November 14, 1934 in LeRoy and Esther (Danielson) Bjerke. LaVerne graduated from Richland Center High School and enlisted in the Army. He graduated from Coleman Technical College in La Crosse with a degree in Bookkeeping and Accounting. He married Ruth Ann Young (d.1994) in 1961. The couple had one child, Pastor Kris Bjerke-Ulliman (Steve Ulliman) of Onalaska.

Preceded in death were his parents, and 2 sisters, Leona Mae and Delores Bjerke. He is survived by his daughter Kris, sister Mary (Bjerke) Ripp and Leon Ripp and brother Robert Bjerke and Pam and nieces and nephews.

LaVerne drove truck for 26 years for Rice Grocery Company (La Crosse), Bebee Implement (West Salem) and St Joseph Implement and farmed for 8 years in Bells Coulee. In 1974 he was honored by Purina as the Farmer of the Year.

In retirement, LaVerne delivered Meals on Wheels in La Crosse for over 20 years. active at Our Savior's Lutheran “Come for Supper” and volunteered at Norskedalen. LaVerne was active at the Harry J. Olson Center for over 22 years served on the Board of Directors. He was active in the Sons of Norway and Rotary of West Salem. Laverne also was part of the International Rotary and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his work.

When he wasn’t serving his community, he and his blessed companion, Rachel Beyer, loved to travel or visit his daughter.

LaVerne, a lifelong Lutheran, was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Salem at the time of his death.

Kris would like to thank Springbrook and St. Croix Hospice for their tender and loving care during his family days.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, August 25, 2023, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 359 North Leonard Street, West Salem, WI. A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service at the church.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes, Woodruff Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.