Vernon Bjerken, 81, died on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will be in First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Tuesday morning.

Vernon Palmer Bjerken was born May 31, 1925, on the farm of his grandfather, Peter Grendahl, in Norman County, MN, 15 miles west of Mahnomen, MN, the son of James Oliver and Alice (Grendahl) Bjerken. He was baptized on September 2, 1925, at First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN and confirmed on May 24, 1942 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. At the age of 5, Vernon moved to Thief River Falls with his family and attended Washington Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School.

Following school, Vernon entered into service with the United States Army at Ft. Snelling, MN on August 11, 1944 and during his service fought in battles and campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorable discharged on June 30, 1946 at Camp Mc Coy, WI. Following his service in the United States Army, Vernon continued to make his home in Thief River Falls and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793.

Vernon is survived by two brothers: Alden Bjerken of Tacoma, WA and Gordon Bjerken of Thief River Falls, MN; two sisters: Jeanette Doyea of Renton, WA and Marlene (Arnie) Nathie of Minneapolis, MN; he is also survived by several relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Russell Bjerken on August 16, 2004 and Milo in 1941; and two sisters: Elaine Ramstad and Shirley Ann Bjerken.

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.com