Gerald Bjerke, age 84, of Brookings, passed away, Sunday August 12, 2018, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview. Funeral Services are 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 17, 2018, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings with burial in First Lutheran Cemetery at Volga, SD. Visitations will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 16, 2018, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings with family sharing starting at 7 p.m.

Gerald Wallace Bjerke was born to Gerhard "Guy" and Lillian (Swartos) Bjerke on July 14, 1934, in Oslo Township near Volga, SD.   He was baptized at First Lutheran Church in Volga, and confirmed on July 25, 1948, at Oslo Lutheran Church. Gerald attended Elementary School District 94, and graduated from Volga High School in 1953. He faithfully served his country in the National Guard from 1954-1957 and was active duty from 1957-1959.

Gerald married Beverly Krumm on June 28, 1969, at First Lutheran Church in Volga. Together, they made their home on the farm, where Gerald was a dairy farmer and operated a trucking and corn shelling business. They moved to Brookings after retiring in 1992.

Gerald was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Volga, where he served on the church boards and as a deacon and usher. After moving to Brookings, Gerald and Bev joined Ascension Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Sinai Elevator Board, Elks Lodge, and Sons of Norway, where he served as Vice President.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly, of Brookings; sons, Daniel (Ronda) of Grand Prairie, TX, and Russell (Mary) of Volga; honorary daughter, Evy Thune of Norway and honorary son, Fredrik Granström of Sweden, brothers, Ronald (Wilma) of Brookings and Bryan (Lisa) of Sioux Falls; sister, Judy (Ray) Havrevold of Mitchell; grandchildren; Christianne (Dustin) Beringer, Nichole (Randy Jr.) Hofer, Brittany (Tyler) Rainey, Brianna (Andrew) Harman, and Brendan (Kelly) Bjerke; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two stepsons, Kevin and Richard Krumm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.