Obituaries
John David Bjerke
February 19, 1936 - September 18, 2024
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Obituary For John David Bjerke
Madison - John David Bjerke, age 88, passed away on Sep. 18, 2024 at the Veteran’s hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Born on Feb. 19, 1936 in Sparta, Wisconsin, he was the first born to David and Annabelle Bjerke (nee Meyers).
Growing up in Sparta, he was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and graduated from Sparta High School in 1953 at the age of 17. After a short period at UW-Madison he joined the Army in 1955. He was stationed overseas in Frankfurt Germany for much of his service and was able to travel around Europe gathering many memories. After the Army he studied at UW-LaCrosse earning a Bachelor’s degree in a double major of History and English.
John was married to Kathryn (nee Kuhn) from 1968 to 1976 and they had 2 children- Laurie first, in 1970 and then Daniel in 1973.
A Librarian at Deforest High School for 28 years, this fit in well with his lifelong love of reading. The other things he really enjoyed in life were vacationing with family and friends, he made it to every state in the U.S. except Hawaii, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He valued his membership at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and donated to several organizations including Environmental and Wildlife Conservation groups and St. Joseph’s Indian School.
He is survived by his children Dan (Mischelle) and Laurie (Steve); grandchildren, Trent (Sarah), Jenna, Logan and Lillia; and his brothers Jim and Tom (Pat).
He is preceded in death by his parents David and Annabelle Bjerke; his brothers Robert and Richard, and sister Ann.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 5001 N Sherman Ave, Madison, WI on Friday, September 27. The Visitation will be from 9:30am to 11:00am with the mass starting at 11am. This will be followed by a procession to Highland Memory Gardens for the burial and then returning to St. Peter’s for a meal. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257
Services
Visitation
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
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Condolences
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October 03, 2024
Dan & Laurie, I was very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We worked together for many at DHS. As a math teacher I didn't use his library skills much but I did share his interest in US war history. We got to know each other really well when we coached football. He coached Freshman and I coached JV. On Fridays, since the two of us were rookie coaches, we had to go watch next week's opponent and turn in a scouting report. On one of these nights we got to our destination very early and decided to get something to eat. We had a couple of beers and then had a couple more beers. We never got to see the game. When we got back to DeForest we remained silent about what we saw. When were asked about next week's opponent we said " they were horrible and we shouldn't worry about them beating us. Luckily we creamed them. We were never asked to produce the scouting report. We never did anything like that again. Once was too much. We did,however, have something to chuckle about when it was football season. Once again, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Steve Rasmussen
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September 26, 2024
Laurie, Dan and Your Families, I'm am sending you my Love and healing blessings. Your Dad was a Wonderful Father and Grandfather. Take the process of your loss one step at a time. Love you all From Florida ❤️🩹
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September 26, 2024
So sorry for the loss of your father Laurie and Danny. We have so many badger game memories of your dad especially the stale pork rinds he would bring to tailgate parties lots of fun He was definitely one of a kind!! Love, Tom and Gena Christiano
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September 25, 2024
Laurie, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I remember meeting him once a long time ago, and still remember what a kind man he was. Please know that I am thinking of you all and sending my sympathy. Colleen Martin-Guenther
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September 21, 2024
He was a wonderful librarian and teacher of AV skills. When I think of the faulty who made a big difference in my life, "Mr. Bjerke" is one of them.
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September 21, 2024
My condolences to your entire family. Laurie, we had some fun times at DHS. I hope life is treating you well. ♥️🫂
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September 21, 2024
I havve fond memories of Mr. Bjerke from the DeForest schools. Thinking of your family today and during these days ahead. M Katherine Raab Eagan.
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