Ardelle Marlene (Johnson) (Bjerken) Engebretson, age 85, of Waconia, MN, and Ortonville, MN, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017, at the Waconia Good Samaritan Center in Waconia.

Ardelle was born July 7, 1931, to Melvin and Hattie (Thompson) Johnson in Bejou, MN. At a young age, the family moved to Mahnomen, MN. She was confirmed on June 30, 1946, at the Lutheran Church and graduated from Mahnomen High School in May of 1949. On July 22, 1949, Ardelle was united in marriage to Arthur Bjerken in Mahnomen. To this union 10 children were born. While living on the farm, Ardelle stayed busy raising her family. She enjoyed her large garden, baking bread and cookies, knitting and sewing for her children. At times, she even did upholstery work for people. In March of 1964, Ardelle moved with her children to Ortonville. She remained very busy with her children and active in her church. Ardelle was always faithful in her Christian beliefs and raised her children in the church accordingly. She continued her joy of sewing, including making her daughters' wedding dresses, baptismal gowns and outfits for some of her grandchildren. Later on, she made quilts for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which are held as irreplaceable keepsakes. While living in Ortonville, Ardelle worked at Cashtown Café, at Trinity Lutheran Church as the custodian for a number of years and later as a CNA in the Ortonville Hospital. On January 14, 1983, Ardelle married Wayne Engebretson. They moved to his farm by Milan, MN. While living on the farm, she continued her work as a CNA. Upon Wayne's death In June of 1994, Ardelle moved into Milan. In the summer of 2011, Ardelle entered the Waconia Good Samaritan Center where she enjoyed visiting, playing games and going to Bible Study. She loved the many visits from her children and grandchildren and putting puzzles together and latch hook, she also enjoyed played Bingo. Ardelle was a strong woman in so many ways! She persevered through many things, but she always remained faithful and constant in her love of the Lord. He brought her through all things and her "reward" is now that she is rejoicing with family that preceded her in HEAVEN!

Ardelle loved her family greatly and will be missed. She leaves behind her children: three daughters: Linda (Rod) Spronk of Edgerton, MN, Ingrid (David) Ingle of Chaska, MN, and Jeanette Baune (Don Davis) of Brookings, SD; four sons: Andrew (Peggy) Bjerken of Hanover, MN, James (Robin) Bjerken of Dilworth, MN, Arleigh Bjerken (Mary Long)of Carlotta, CA, and Matthew Bjerken of Osakis, MN; son-in–law, William (Bill) Van Hecke also of Chaska; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren; a sister, Inez (Marvin) Setness of Henderson, NV, and a brother-in-law, David Meinz of Lowry, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Hattie Johnson; sons, Wayne and Phillip Bjerken; daughter, Marlene Van Hecke; husband, Wayne Engebretson; brothers: Rudy and Arnold Johnson; four sisters: Beverly Eisner, Beulah Wolbeck, Hazel Krabbenhoft and Hilda Meinz and one niece, Corrine Wolbeck. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the Anderson-Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Time of gathering will be held one hour prior to the service.