Barney T. Bjerke

Byron "Barney" Bjerke was born on February 2, 1924 to Bennie and Tina Jellum Bjerke in Albert Lea. He grew up in rural Albert Lea and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1941. Barney served in the United States Navy from 1945-1946. He returned to Albert Lea where he farmed. On August 27, 1949 Barney was united in marriage to Elaine Halverson at Round Prairie Lutheran Church. Barney served on the Freeborn County Cooperative Oil Co. Board of Directors from 1981 – 2002 and the Clarks Grove Creamery Board of Directors from 1986 – 1997. Besides farming, Barney also worked as a crop insurance adjuster out of the Marvin Gaard office. Barney was a member of the East Freeborn Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Golden Kiwanis II Club, Eagles and Elks Clubs. He was also a life member of the VFW and member of the American Legion. Barney was proud to be a very active member of the Honor Guard and enjoyed spending time with his friends and fellow servicemen. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; son, Bradley; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bjerke of Albert Lea, and Betty Phillip Callahan of Albert Lea; brother-in-law, Rollin Halverson of Albert Lea and many nieces and nephews. Byron was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Bjerke and Orville Lois Bjerke; sisters, Helen Wallace Thompson and Stella Jr. Bakken.