Harvey Dennis Bjerke

Harvey D. Bjerke, age 89 of Lake Crystal (formerly of Hadley, MN), passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Mayo Health System, Mankato.

Celebration of life will be 11:00am-2:00pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Lake Wilson American Legion Post #285 (127 Broadway Ave, Lake Wilson, MN 56151). Burial will be 3:00pm Saturday, March 21st at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Chandler MN with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Lake Wilson American Legion Post 285. www.mankatomortuary.com

Harvey Dennis was born October 16, 1936 in Iona, MN to Everett and Josie (VanKlei) Bjerke. He attended country school through the 8th grade, and later enlisted in the US Army. After his discharge, he returned home and spent his life farming, as well as doing some trucking on the side. Harvey was united in marriage to Mary Jean Scholten in 1959. Together they had five children, and later divorced. He enjoyed fishing, camping, tinkering on the farm, wintering in Arizona with his family and always made time for a drink with family and friends. Most importantly, he enjoyed time with his family.

Left to remember Harvey are his children: Connie (Ed) Betz, Wanda Bjerke, Charlene Bjerke, and Dennis (Jode) Bjerke; grandchildren: Kristi (Mike) Hawker, Angie (Mike Volk) Betz, Amy Bjerke (Matt) Lanford, Kyle Bjerke, Amber Woitaszewski, Jessica (Carlos) Serratos, Daniel (Analisa) Woitaszewski, and Samantha Bjerke; 22 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret (Marlin) Emery, and son Daniel (in 1983).