Obit: Bjerke, Gladys Elizabeth (1920 - 2012)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:  dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bjerke, Forbush, Bastian, Olson

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/5/2012

Bjerke, Gladys Elizabeth (16 May 1920 - 30 August 2012)

Gladys Elizabeth (Forbush) Bjerke, 92, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at the Burnett County Medical Center in Grantsburg, where she had resided since July 28, 2008.

Gladys was born May 16, 1920, in Sparta, the daughter of Newil and Ida Forbush. She was married to Palmer Bjerke June 19, 1937, and initially they lived and worked in the Davenport, IA, area. Shortly after marriage, they moved back to Sparta and began their family.

Over the years, Gladys enjoyed a variety of careers and interests. She worked as a waitress and later owned a restaurant, worked for a photographer, but her most enjoyable profession was as an LPN, working in the obstetrics department caring for the babies. Palmer and Gladys farmed in the Tomah area for many years.

She was a charter member of t he Tomah Assembly of God Church and enjoyed playing the guitar and accordion in the church services and for the enjoyment of family and friends. She also enjoyed baking, crocheting, camping and fishing.

Gladys is survived by her five children, Eugene (Kathy) Bjerke of Grantsburg, Douglas (Sharon) Bjerke of Neillsville, LeRoy (Joan) Bjerke of Tomah, Judy Bjerke of Tomah and Shirley Bjerke and her husband Willis Bastian of Fairchild; one brother, Newil Forbush of Sheldon; 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Bjerke, and four brothers, Robert, Arthur, Earl and Daniel Forbush.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Hillside Community Church, 4th and Hewett Street, in Neillsville. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning. Burial will be in the Town of Cleveland Cemetery near Fairchild.

Casketbearers will be Brian, Gary, Mark, Paul, and Steve Bjerke and Cory Olson.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Gladys’ family with funeral arrangements.