Lorna Bjerke

Lorna A. Bjerke, 97, of Waukon died Friday, October 18, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Funeral services were held Friday, October 25 at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Waukon with Pastor Karla Johnson officiating and burial at the church cemetery. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.

Lorna Arlene Bjerke was born August 28, 1927, in Waukon, the daughter of Arthur and Edna (Adam) Grotegut. She was baptized and confirmed at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Waukon, where she was a lifelong, active member. Lorna graduated from Waukon High School in 1945, and completed one year of junior college.

December 18, 1946, she married Ernest “Ernie” Bjerke at her parents’ home. They farmed together in Frankville Township and she also upholstered furniture for several years.

She loved working in her flower garden, listening to the birds, reading, and Christmas baking. Lorna did a lot of knitting, especially prayer shawls, and hand stitched and embroidered quilts for her family. The most important thing to Lorna was spending time with her family: going camping, traveling, and taking bus trips. She also loved taking care of her cats and kittens.

Survivors include her children: Janice Bjerke of Waukon, Julie (Gene) Curtis of Marion, and Kristi (Mitchell) Davis of Marshalltown; six grandchildren: Kristen (Kevin) Temple, Colleen (Philip) Hines, Paul (Maria Polfliet) Curtis, Wallace Davis, Andrew (Dottie) Davis, and Joshua (Hailey) Davis; and six great-grandchildren: Nolan and Briella Temple, Everett and Addison Hines, Ashley Williams, and Lance Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ernie, in 2007; her daughter, Linda, in 2007; a sister, Erma Grotegut; an infant brother, Robert; and an infant sister.

Casketbearers were Kevin Temple, Philip Hines, Paul Curtis, and Wallace, Andrew, and Joshua Davis.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.