Jean A. Bjerke

Jean A. Bjerke age 89 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, March 09, 2015 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Jean A. Benneweis was born August 6, 1925 in Grafton, ND the daughter of the late John F. and Hermina S. (Heuchert) Benneweis. She attended schools in Hensel and St. Thomas, ND. Jean was united in marriage to Marvin Bjerke on Dec. 5, 1945 in rural St. Thomas. The couple lived in the Hoople area until 1997 when they moved to Grand Forks. Marvin passed away on October 26, 1998. Jean continued to live in Grand Forks until the spring of 2003 when she moved to the apartments at the Lutheran Sunset Home. Jean enjoyed baking and cooking and sharing it with others. She loved to play the organ and piano. Jean is survived by her daughter, Janice (Donald) Hartje, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren: Donald Jr. (Tanya) "Scout" Hartje, Chapelwood, SD; Kenneth Ranisate, Larimore, ND; Keith Ranisate, Genesee, ID, Tammy (Kevin) Lee, St. Thomas, ND, son-in-law, Larry Ranisate, Genesee, ID. She is also survived by nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Shirley Ranisate and an infant child. Funeral services will be Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church of Hoople. Visitation will be Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Hoople City Cemetery.