Olaf "Bud" A. Bjerke passed away peacefully on February 9 ^th at the Western Horizons Care Center at the age of 93.  Olaf was born at the Bjerke Farm located near Ralph, South Dakota on January 9, 1930 to Olaf O. and Alma C. (Stromsness) Bjerke.  He married Ruby Jean Raffelson on June 14, 1953, divorcing in 1962.

Olaf is survived by his children:  Ronda Jean Davis (Jim), Boise Idaho; LeAna Lynn McTaggart (Pete), Stockton, New York; and Lon Olaf Bjerke (Paula), Sterling, Colorado; 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild; Sisters: Lorraine Gunderson of Hettinger North Dakota; June Drolc of Ralph, South Dakota; Brothers: Orin Bjerke of Martin City, Montana and Ivan Bjerke of Mesa, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Olaf served in the Army from 1951-1952 and then the National Guard from 1957-1961.  For many years he lived in Washugal, Washington working for Crown Zellerbach and James River Paper Companies, before retiring back to the Dakotas.

Olaf was confirmed in the Golden Valley Lutheran Church and attended Hettinger Lutheran Church.

We are very grateful for the staff, Nurses, Doctors and care he received at Western Horizons Assisted Living Facility, West River Regional Medical Center and Western Horizons Nursing Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hettinger Lutheran Church or charity of your choice in honor of Olaf.

A Memorial will be held at a later date.   Condolences to the Bjerke family can be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com