Gordon Harlan Bjerke

Gordon Harlan Bjerke, 95, of Lincoln went peacefully to his Lord on June 17, 2023. He was born on April 25, 1928 to Melvin and Anna (Sorensen) Bjerke in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Just prior to his Washington High School graduation in 1946, he enlisted in the Navy and served for two years. Following the Navy he enrolled in South Dakota State College, Brookings, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism. He was a reporter for the Aberdeen American News in Aberdeen, SD. From there he move his family to Omaha, NE and worked as editor for the North Omaha Sun.

Following his position on the Sun Newspaper he was hired by Union Pacific Rail Road as Assistant Director of Public Relations. His primary responsibility was writing articles meant to entice travelers to see the USA via rail. These had the lead of “Wish you were here”…. These articles were printed in all of the major cities across the country. He brought interesting places and people to readers while enjoying the travel to find them.

Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Company was Gordon’s next position as Director of Public Relations, Advertising and Sales Promotion. He served in that position for 20 years retiring in 1982.

He was a member of several local and national professional journalism organizations. He was active in his church serving on several committees and the church council. Joining his sons in Boy Scout functions was important to Gordon. As a member of “The Greatest Generation” he was a proud member and supporter of the American Legion.

Gordon began his love of golf, at the age of 10, when he caddied at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls. He played well into his 80’s. His other joys were reading, wood carving, and finding opportunities to put a long string of word play and puns together.

Gordon is survived by his wife Betsy (Greenawalt) and Bailey (Havanese dog) and four sons, Greg ( Gayleen) of Greeley, CO, Dean (Linda) of Longmont, CO, Jeff of Arvada, CO and Steve of Bayfield, CO. He is also survived by four stepchildren, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service for Gordon will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1551 So. 70th Street, Lincoln, NE on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Internment at National Cemetery – Omaha, NE.

Memorials can be made to First Lutheran Church or Tabitha Hospice.

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