Benita J. Bjerke

Benita J. Bjerke, 80 of Devils Lake formerly of Crary ND passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks ND.

Benita Jewel Sundeen was born on April 4, 1942, on a farm in the Southam/Brocket area of North Dakota, the daughter of Fred and Helen (Severtson) Sundeen.  She grew up on the family farm, attended school at Southam until it closed, then attended Crary Public School, graduating with the class of 1960.

Benita was at one time married to Raymond Bachmeier and they were the proud parents of three children John, Mike, and Deb.  

While living in Devils Lake, Benita reconnected with a high school friend and she and Roger Bjerke were united in marriage on July 8, 1993.  They had 23 wonderful years together in Virginia. They made many friends there, and Benita was always such a gracious hostess at many holiday events, special family events and just anyone stopping by to visit. They never left without having something to eat (she was an excellent cook and baker) and drink. After Roger’s death, Benita returned to North Dakota and called Devils Lake home.

In younger years, Benita worked at the Southam Bar, Southam Elevator and later at the Home of Economy in Devils Lake for many years. She enjoyed many miles snowmobiling with the Southam crew and visiting with family and friends.

No matter where she lived, she enjoyed gardening, was very particular about her yard and loved tending her flower beds. She never passed by a garage or rummage sale sign without a quick look (especially on the lookout for that unique lighthouse item) and enjoyed many hours of playing cards and BINGO with family and friends. For several years, Benita was a faithful WeFest attendee, and she and Roger were fans of NASCAR racing and traveled around the country to many different NASCAR tracks. In later years, Benita loved riding around the countryside in a side by side with family.

Benita enjoyed membership in the Moose Lodge, Lakota American Legion Auxiliary and was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary.

Benita’s loves were many, but the role of “Grandma” was her very favorite. Those grandchildren brought her so much joy. This precious, wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend will be missed so very much, is so very loved and will never be forgotten. She was always there with a loving, generous heart, listening ear, good coffee, delicious food, and great conversation.

Benita’s loving family include her children John (Angie) Bachmeier, Williston ND, Mike (Bev) Bachmeier, Brocket ND and Deb (Lynn) Toso, Penn ND; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren Justin (Becca) Bachmeier and children Ettalea, Ellie and Ethan of Williston, ND, Jerad (Jessica) Bachmeier and children Vayla and Michael, Brookston MN, Bryan (Tara) Bachmeier, Fargo ND and Kaylee (Jesse Ahoe) Toso of Penn, ND; brother John Sundeen of Bullhead City, AZ and sister Carol Sundeen of Bullhead City, AZ and Devils Lake ND; special cousin Nelda Langton; several nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger, brothers Fred Sundeen Jr. and Norvin Sundeen, sisters Anise Blegen and Bernell Blazer.

Urn Bearers will be Benita’s Grandchildren. Reading Scripture will be Bryan Bachmeier and special tribute by Jerad Bachmeier.

 Gathering of family and friends will be on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance and prayer at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend JoHanna Buchholz officiating. Burial will be in the Lakota Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. following fellowship at Our Savior’s on Tuesday.

The funeral service will be live streamed at facebook.com/oursaviorslutheranchurchdevilslake. As a gift to the family, please include your return address on all condolences. Thank you.