Gilbert N. Bjerken, age 97, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN. Gilbert Norris Bjerken was born August 1, 1919, one of eleven children born to Gust and Nettie (Olson) Bjerken at their home in Pembina Township.  As youngster, Gilbert attended Mahnomen Public School and he lived with and worked for neighbors and his uncles for several years.  At the young age of 16, Gilbert enlisted in the C.C. camps and worked on farms until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1941.  Spending most of his time in Sandy Hook, NJ, he proudly served with the Coastal Artillery Unit during WWII, all the while entertaining the many officers with his ability to play guitar.  His love of music took him to dances and at one particular wedding dance, Gilbert met the love of his life, Bernice Nelson.  They were married on June 22, 1943, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.  After he was honorably discharged in 1945, Gilbert and his bride bought their first 80 acres and started a dairy farm west of Mahnomen.  They did some grain farming and also had dairy cattle, chickens and pigs in the beginning.  Gilbert and Bernice built up their dairy herd to 30 milk cows and were dairy farmers for 40 years.  They had two sons, Gerald and Gene, to help and when they grew up, Gene joined them with the farming operation in 1981, eventually taking over when they retired.  Gilbert carried his love of music with him throughout his life and has played in many different bands; he played at nursing homes and at events in surrounding towns as long as he was able.  Gilbert was a member of First Lutheran Church and the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31.  He was a founding member of the Mahnomen County Soil and Water District and served several terms on the ASCS board.  He cherished time with his family and will be greatly missed. Gilbert leaves behind his wife of 74 years, Bernice; his sons: Gerald of Coon Rapids, MN, and Gene (Cindy) of Mahnomen, MN; his brother, Arthur of Hutchinson, MN, and his sisters: Norma Johnson of Mahnomen, Jean (Robert) Hanson of Mahnomen, Lorraine (Allan) Peterson of Twin Valley, Darlene McArthur of Detroit Lakes and Gloria Fruend of Detroit Lakes; five grandchildren: Jasen Boit, Christi Boit, Steven (JoDee) Bjerken, Susan (Ross) Theissen, and Kristen (Lance) LeClair; and 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Eleanor Bjerken. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Gust and Nettie; brothers: Julius, Melvin and Lloyd; sister, Bernice (Roy) Backen; and two daughters-in-law, Geri Bjerken and Bonnie Bjerken.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service .  Burial will take place at First Lutheran Cemetery.