Dale B. Bjerke

Dale Bjerke, 70, of Page, ND died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home.

Dale Brian Bjerke was born in Lisbon, ND to Simon Omar & Vivian Josephine (Skramstad) Bjerke on April 19, 1955. He was the third of four children growing up on a small dairy farm in rural Enderlin, ND. He went to school in Enderlin, was very active in FFA, enjoyed building sets and singing in the annual high school musicals, did some wrestling, and excelled in the classroom. After graduating in 1973, he went to NDSU to study Ag and became a lifelong Bison Football fan. Before turning to farming he spent some time in construction, helping build many homes in Valley City and apt. buildings in various small towns of ND.

Without Dale, his dad switched from dairy to hogs, so when he returned to farming he raised hogs and gradually stepped into grain farming as he was able to rent land. During those early years, Dale also enjoyed doing leatherwork, small construction projects as well as shingling many a roof after hail storms, drag racing, playing softball, area town events such as dances, skating, car shows, etc. He was very active in the Fingal Area Jaycees and was a Big Brother through the Fargo Big Brother/Big Sister Program, which is how he met his future wife, Lori Lee Gray. His story is that she tripped him at the Big Brother/Sister Christmas Party at Skateland, but Dale was too good of a skater for that to have happened.

Music was always a part of Dale's life, particularly Country, so Dale took Lori to a new music duo's concert at the Ramada Inn in Moorhead for their first date--The Judd's. The Oak Ridge Boys at the Fairground was another memorable music date involving tornados, lots of mud, and guess who had a four wheel drive to pull everyone else out?

Dale & Lori were married Sept. 20, 1986 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Page ND. They initially lived in Fargo, moved to Enderlin in 1988, rural Lucca, ND in 1991, Page in 1997, and finally to the farm near Page in 2017. Daughters Krista Jo and Erin Lee were born while in the Enderlin area. Dale was absolutely thrilled to have daughters, having Krista's name picked out long before. The family were members of St. Petri Lutheran, where Dale was baptized and confirmed. Many life long family and friends live in the area and welcomed Dale's family as their own. They were youth leaders at the church and Dale continued involvement with the Jaycees and township board as well as ND Pork Producers.

Dale farmed with his father-in-law by Page, ND eventually taking over running the grain farm. While farming in Page he became fully involved in the community being on Dollars for Scholars, Cafe, Credit Union boards and church committees. He also became involved with Cass Country Farm Bureau. Staying up on the latest farming practices and technology was a passion of Dale's as well as supporting young farmers and those interested in farming that didn't have a direct connection to a farm.

Dale was a very involved Dad, taking them trick or treating to all the neighbors and cutting down the Christmas tree; getting his girls up for school each day; keeping track of what was happening in their lives, running them to piano lessons, going to concerts, plays, games, meets, spelling bees, parent led holiday parties in elementary school; keeping their cars running, etc.

One of Dale's favorite ways to relax was to go for a drive. Whether it was day trips, going to Frisco for Bison games, or annual family trips Dale always did the driving and never seemed to tire.

Dale liked to grill, made various meals for the guys in the shop. He had an excellent memory, you definitely wanted him on your trivia team. He enjoyed reading about a number of things including WWII as his dad and uncle served during the war. He knew about planes and ships of that time and was generally our own guide when we went to air shows.

Dale loved his family, his wife, daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren, loved to spend time with them, relax with them. He liked finding one on one time to connect and share his love of farming, gardening, country living and extended family. He enjoyed getting together with his parents, aunts, uncles, cousins; always showing up for family events. If he was in the area of his brothers or friends he stopped in if he could. He very much enjoyed leisure time at the lake cabin on Ashtabula, liked to fish, read, cruise in the pontoon, grill up great food, watch a ballgame.

Dale went to his heavenly home on July 2, 2025 after a 6 month battle with brain cancer. He and his family were well cared for at Bethany on University Rehab. Unit for 6 weeks by wonderful therapists, nurses, care givers and support staff. The staff of Essentia Oncology are wonderful, caring people. CHI Home Health and then Hospice guided us through the last three months at home. Community of Care nurse chaplin, Gwen called every week giving information, emotional support and prayers. So many people sent texts, cards, and prayers. We thank all of you! Special thanks to Collin Sohn and Steve Reis for keeping the farm running and to all of those who are supporting Collin as he's learning the business without Dale.

Dale is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lori; children Krista & Preson Steele and Erin Bjerke; granddaughter Ezra Steele; grandson Oscar Steele; siblings Kathy Carr of Colfax WA, Myron (Grace) Bjerke of Aberdeen SD, and Steve Bjerke of Milnor ND; siblings-in-law Kathleen (Larry) Anderson of Detroit Lakes MN, Brad (Cindy) Gray of Hastings MN, Joni (Todd) Nelson of Cedar Creek, TX; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Simon & Vivian Bjerke, in-laws B. Martin & Betty Jo (Elizabeth JoAnn Visby) Gray, and nephew Ryan Carr as well as all of his beloved aunts & uncles and many cousins.

Thank you for sharing in the celebration of his life, he was well loved and will be missed.

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM with a 6:30 public prayer service on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Page, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at St Petri Lutheran Church in rural Nome, ND.

Burial: Will be in St Petri Cemetery in rural Nome, ND.