Gladys E Bjerke

Gladys Elizabeth (Forbush) Bjerke, age 92, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 30, 2012 at the Burnett County Medical Center in Grantsburg, WI where she had resided since July 28, 2008.Gladys was born May 16, 1920 in Sparta, WI, 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, WI 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 the Tomah, WI 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 5 children; Eugene (Kathy) Bjerke of Grantsburg, WI, Douglas (Sharon) Bjerke of Neillsville, WI; LeRoy (Joan) Bjerke of Tomah, WI; Judy Bjerke of Tomah, WI; and Shirley Bjerke and her husband Willis Bastian of Fairchild, WI; one brother, Newil Forbush of Sheldon, WI; 15 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great Grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Bjerke and her four brothers, Robert Forbush, Arthur Forbush, Earl Forbush and Daniel Forbush.Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Hillside Community Church, 4th and Hewett Streets in Neillsville. Officiating the service will be Pastor Joe Weiers and her son, Pastor Doulgas Bjerke. Visitation will be held at the Church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Burial will be in the Town of Cleveland Cemetery near Fairchild, WI.Casket bearers will be Brian Bjerke, Gary Bjerke, Mark Bjerke, Paul Bjerke, Steve Bjerke and Cory Olsen.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456