Bunny Bjerk

Rose Marie “Bunny” Bjerk, age 78, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully at her daughter and son-in-law’s home on May 5, 2013, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Rose Marie Bemis was born June 29, 1934, in Grand Forks, ND, to Allan and Isabella (Mrachek) Bemis. Her father nicknamed her “Bunny” after she was born, as she was a small baby, and the name stuck throughout her lifetime. She attended some of her earlier education years in Dickinson, ND, before the family moved to Barnesville, MN. Growing up Bunny enjoyed ice skating, reading, church activities, babysitting and most of all, music. She became a member of the masonic organization for young women known as Job’s Daughters followed by lifetime membership of the Eastern Star. She was very proud of this membership and it always held a special place within her heart. Taking the bus to Fargo, N.D. for violin lessons earned her the honor to play in the Fargo Orchestra. Bunny had a lovely voice and sang at many events as well. During Bunny’s senior year of high school, her family moved to Mahnomen, where her father took a job as Part’s Manager at Hanson Ford. She dated and later married Kenny Bjerk on December 17, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. The couple lived in Duluth, MN, before eventually moving back to Mahnomen. They were blessed with five children. Bunny was a wonderful wife and loving mother, continually putting her children first, even as they grew up. She was an outstanding cook and baker, and whole heartedly welcomed the kids’ friends, other family members and friends to the house for a meal. The coffee pot was always on for anyone! In her free time, Bunny enjoyed visiting family far and near, reading, shopping with her daughters, eating out, being a cub-scout leader, and attending her grandchildren’s school events when possible. When her children were a little older, Bunny enjoyed working part-time, when needed, at The Floral Shop, The Closet, and Home and Fashion. She also liked selling Tupperware, and her favorite, “Watkins” products. Bunny and Kenny were members of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, where in earlier years, Bunny was involved in the Board of Ed, served as Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, and taught Confirmation for many years. She also enjoyed her Bible Study and Lady’s Circle groups. Bunny and Kenny enjoyed taking trips to Hawaii, Florida, Nashville, Seattle, Utah, and Branson. Bunny was loved so dearly and will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her. Bunny is survived by her children, Bonnie (Kevin) Andring of Mahnomen, Cindy (Scott Sr,) Frane of Zimmerman, Susie (Mark) Birkholz of Parkers Prairie, Tom (Teri) Bjerk of Bottineau, ND and Greg (Donna) Bjerk of Fertile. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Tracy, Scott Jr., Kaley, Nicole, Jackie, Travis, Chris, Andy, Trista, Hunter, Austin and Brady, 8 great-grandchildren: Logan, Landon, Jayda, Dominic, Christian, Jett, Brynlee and Veda; three sisters: JoAnn Bemis of Coon Rapids, MN, Bobbie Flicek of Fort Ripley, MN and Mary Berkner also of Coon Rapids, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny in 2011, parents Allan and Isabella Bemis, brother-in-law, Manny Flicek. Funeral Services were held at the First Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 1pm. Visitation was also held one hour prior. Visitation was held 5-7pm with a Prayer Servie at 6:30pm on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home. Interment was at Riverside Memorial Park in Mahnomen.

Bunny Bjerk

June 29, 1934 - May 5, 2013