Robert Donald Bjerke

Madison ROBERT "Bob" D. BJERKE age 80 passed away on Monday March 14th after a brief battle with cancer. Bob was born October 21st 1941 in Sparta, Wisconsin to David Olaf and Annabelle Katherine Bjerke. He proudly served in the Navy on the USS Forrestal. Upon returning stateside Bob began his retail career at Manchester's department store, located in downtown Madison on the square. It was at Manchester's where he met Constance Poole and they were married July 24th, 1965. Bob and Connie grew their family with daughter Melissa and son Michael. After Manchester's Bob continued his retail career as Operations Manager for K-mart until his retirement. Upon retirement Bob and Connie built a home in Palm Coast, Florida. They enjoyed many adventures on A1A and spending time in one of Bob's favorite locations of St Augustine. They made many great friends through their volunteer work at the local food pantry and the hospice thrift store. Bob was creative throughout his life, painting larger than life cartoon murals for their kids on the basement walls of their home in Madison. He was a prolific wood Carver, with one of his favorite mediums being cottonwood Bark. Bob was a lovi...[more]

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husband, a great dad, and a loyal friend, he will be missed. Memorial contributions can be made to the River Food Pantry. Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years Constance, daughter Melissa (Jeff) Markgraf, son Mike (Dana) Bjerke and grandchildren Abigail and Brody. Brothers John, Dick, Jim and Tom (Patricia) and many nieces and nephews. He's preceded in death by his parents, sister Ann and sister-in-law Mary Lou. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.