Duane Bjerke of Thief River Falls, MN died on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND following a long battle with cancer. Funeral Service will be held Monday, February 24, 2014 at 10:30 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with Reverend Robert Dahlen Officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will be held Sunday, 5 - 8 PM with a 7:00 Prayer service at Johnson Funeral Service and also Monday one hour prior to service on Monday. Duane Bjerke was born November 8, 1940 in Thief River Falls, MN son of the late "J.H." Julian and Minnie (Rode) Bjerke. He was raised in Thief River Falls and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church. He attended school at Lincoln High School graduating in 1958. He worked for a time in the potato fields in the Red River Valley. Duane began working bridge construction throughout North Dakota and Minnesota. On November 3, 1962 he was united in marriage to Arlene Lappegaard at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They moved where the construction work was taking place. In 1978 they settled in Thief River Falls where they have since resided. He began working at FmHA assessing land values until his retirement in early 90's he also worked for Dean Kaushagen construction in the Thief River Falls area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, harassing his grandkids, camping, gardening, watching his grandkids swim for the Prowlers. Duane loved to watch western movies especially John Wayne. He especially enjoyed attending the grandkids events and the time spent with them. He was known for his donuts and muffins. Running around town and visiting was a big part of his day. Duane is survived by his wife of 51 years Arlene at Thief River Falls, MN; children , Jerrold (Kimberly) Bjerke of Coronado, CA; Penny (Ryan) Brang of Thief River Falls, Patty (John) Forsberg of Bemidji, MN; grandchildren Jordan (special friend Brittney) Bjerke, Shyenne and Cameron White of Thief River Falls, MN, Carolyn (Gerald) Stothers of Cape Coral, FL, Tiffany (Michael) McKittrick of Eden Prairie, MN, Thomas (Nichole) Bjerke of Choctaw, OK, Kyrsten (Joshua) Kirk of Clarksville, TN, Matthew and Andrew Brang of Thief River Falls, MN, Mikel and David Forsberg of Bemidji, MN: great-grandchildren Landon Stothers, Connor McKittrick, Gabriel Tew-Bjerke, Josiah John Bjerke. Father-in-law DeWein Lappegaard of Goodridge, MN; Sister Diana Vigstol of Red Lake Falls, MN, Darla (Rick) Taddy of Wisconsin, brother Donald Bjerke of Forrest Lake, MN; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter Peggy, granddaughters Raya White, Sabrina Marie, parents J.H. and Minnie Bjerke, mother-in-law Alice Lappegaard along with many other family members.