Orren Bjerke

Orren Bjerke, 93 of Bremerton, WA and formerly of Webster and Sioux Falls died on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at Ashley Gardens in Bremerton. His funeral will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 15, 2014 at Fiksdal Funeral Chapel in Webster, Rev. William Olsen officiating. Burial will be at Telemarken Cemetery near Wallace. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday 5-7 P.M. and prior to services on Monday. Orren Lawrence Bjerke was born on August 25, 1921 in Bristol, SD to Hans and Agnes (Solberg) Bjerke. The family lived near Andover on a farm where he grew up. He attended country school near his home. After he received his education he lived near Webster and worked for a local plumber. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. After he was honorably discharged in 1945 he returned to the area. He was united in marriage Violet Mathiason on August 1, 1945 at Bristol, South Dakota. After their marriage the couple made their home in Webster for a short time. Then they moved to Oregon, then to Poulsdo, Washington and then to Bremmerton, Washington. Orren worked for Lentz Plumbing as a plumber for 30 years, retiring in 1984. In 1988 the couple returned to Webster. Violet passed away later that year. After her death he continued to live in Webster. He spent the last 25 years with a special friend, Elaine Solberg. Five years ago they moved to Sioux Falls. He had just recently moved to Bremerton to be near his daughter and other family. While in Webster he attended St. John’s Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed gardening, dancing, playing cards, and feeding the ducks and rabbitts. Orren’s memory will live on with his daughter, Shirley Cleveland of Bremerton, WA; one brother, Laverne Bjerke of Webster, SD; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. Orren is preceded in death by his parents, wife Violet; son; sister; and 2 brothers.