Laverne "Louie" Bjerke

Laverne "Louie" Bjerke, 97, of Webster passed away Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster. Military Interment will follow at the Webster Cemetery in Webster, South Dakota. 

LaVerne Edward "Louie" Bjerke was born on December 7, 1924, to Hans and Agnes (Solberg) in the Butler Lily area.  Louie completed his eighth-grade education at country school near Andover, then worked on the family farm.  Louie enlisted in the United States Army, serving in occupied Japan from 1944 - 1946.  Following his tour of duty, Louie returned to Webster, joining the National Guard.  The Guard was called up during the Korean War, and Louie served again, this time in Alaska.

Louie was united in Marriage to Betty Johnson on October 26, 1948, in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  To this union two sons were born:  David and Jay.  The family made their home in Webster, South Dakota.  Louie worked as Shop Foreman at Community Oil in Webster for 31 years.  Following his retirement, Louie began his "second career", working at the Webster Golf Course until he retired once again at the age of 93.  Louie served the Webster community as a volunteer member of the Webster Fire Department for 40 and one half years and was a member of the American Legion.  Louie was well known in the Webster community, often stopping to visit as he completed his daily two to three mile walks about town.

Louie passed on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Ava's House Hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, having lived 97 years, 9 months, and 22 days of service to his family, community, and country.

Louie will be deeply missed by his wife of almost 74 years, Betty Bjerke of Webster, SD; two sons, David (Vicki) Bjerke of Watertown, SD, and Jay (Patty) Bjerke of Ankeny, IA; two grandsons, Justin (Michele) Bjerke and Jordan (Kelcey) Bjerke; and four great-grandchildren, Kinley, JJ, Madilyn, and Monroe.  He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, three brothers, Helmer, Oren, and Martin, and one sister, Darlene.