Ryan Bjerklie, 34, died on Thursday, February 19, 2009 in Pennington County, MN, as a result of a car accident.


Ryan Lynn Bjerklie was born in Thief River Falls on March 30, 1974 to Rodney and Cheryl (Sjulestad) Bjerklie. He was the oldest of four and the leader of seven, including Ryan, Allie, Aric, Lucas and Bjerklie cousins Kelly, Matthew, and Emily. Ryan was baptized and confirmed at Nazareth Lutheran Church and grew up on the Bjerklie family farm. His grandma taught him how to drive a car when he was 8 and his uncle Rick said Ryan was his third arm on the farm. Ryan attended school in Oklee and graduated from high school there after maintaining an excellent record in football and wrestling.

Following high school Ryan worked for the Coan Farms. Later he worked for Arctic Cat, Lindholm Welding and in 1998 went to work for Minnesota Limited Inc. as a welder, a job that he very much enjoyed. Working for Minnesota Limited allowed him to work along side his dad and brothers. Ryan took great pride in every weld he did.

On April 8, 2000 Ryan was united in marriage to Alissa Austad at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. To this union a son Blake and daughter, Rylie Rose were born. Ryans children were the love of his life.

Ryan was a man who loved the outdoors, four wheeling, snowmobiling, as well as racing them, deer hunting, dancing, bearfest, fishing, and also enjoyed riding bulls. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a great host especially if it was a potluck.

Ryan is survived by his children Blake Ryan Bjerklie and Rylie Rose Bjerklie; parents Cheryl and Rodney Bjerklie of Trail, MN; sister Allie (Aaron) Enge of Thief River Falls, MN; brothers, Aric (Erica) Bjerklie of Cedar Valley, Utah and Lucas Bjerklie of Trail, MN; nieces and nephews Hannah Hannah Montana , Nolan Jimmy Neutron Enge, Dylan and Allie Barnes; special nieces and nephews, Gerald and Oliver Melin; Clowie Clowie-doe and Eli Magnell, Kia, Cali, and Liza Bjerklie; grandmother Clara Peterson of Trail, MN; the mother of his children, Alissa Bjerklie; godparents, Renae Marquis, Dave Sjulestad and Joni and Rick Bjerklie; aunts and uncles, Leon Peterson, Howard and Karen Sjulestad, Dave and MaryAnn Sjulestad, Sonny and Terri Sjulestad, Yvonne and Richard Tharldson, Joni and Rick Bjerklie, Renae and Bruce Bjerklie, Renae and Gene Marquis, Janelle and Craig Fast, grandparents of Blake and Rylie, Kim Fanfulik, Glenn Watson Jr. and Ron Austad and Many cousins, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather Ludvig Bjerklie; grandparents, Gerald and Rose Sjulestad; uncle Larry Duane Bjerklie and grandfather Kenneth Peterson.

Ryans Motto
Theres nothin finer than a pipeliner.


Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Cindy Bjerklie
SOLOIST: Susan Lee and Kristen Bjerklie
SELECTIONS: (Prayer Service) How Far Is Heaven Jesus Loves Me The King of Love My Shepherd Is
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Just A Closer Walk With Thee Behold A Host Arrayed In White