Kenneth "Billy" Bjerk, age 75 of Mahnomen, MN, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at his home.

Kenneth "Billy" Bjerk was born February 19, 1936 at home in Mahnomen County, Minnesota to Ernest and Cecelia (Berens) Bjerk. He worked in road construction most of his life, eventually working his way up to foreman. Billy married Rose Marie "Bunny" Bemis on December 17, 1955 at the First Congregational Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Billy worked long hours on the road and put on many miles but would still travel any distance to be home when he could with his family. He provided a good living for his family and he and Bunny always put their young family first. Billy was an avid horseman and participated in horse shows and in later years always had a team to pull family and friends on many an adventure. He retired from construction in 1998. This allowed him to spend more time with his horses, tinkering on his tractors, visiting relatives, following the Twins, Vikings and even the lowly Timberwolves, going to the casino and spending time at the Red Apple with "the Knights of the Round Table".

Billy will always be remembered as a "character", be it good, bad or in between. He could have a quick temper but also melt your heart. His love for children was ever present, be it a grandchild, great-grandchild or a neighbor child, it made no difference. Billy was quick with the treats, the boisterous behavior and the fun times. He was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rose Marie, and his children: Bonnie (Kevin) Andring of Mahnomen, Cindy (Scott Sr.) Frane of Zimmerman, MN, Susie (Mark) Birkholz of Parkers Prairie, MN, Tom (Teri) Bjerk of Bottineau, ND and Greg (Donna) Bjerk of Fertile, MN; 12 grandchildren: Tracy, Scott Jr., Kaley, Nicole, Jackie, Travis, Chris, Andy, Trista, Hunter, Austin and Brady, 7 great-grandchildren, one sister, Janice(Gene) Whitman of Naples, FL; and two brothers, Allen (Cheryl) Bjerk of Mora, MN, and Paul (Jody) Bjerk of Fargo, ND.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ernie and Cecilia Bjerk, and one sister, Joanne Heuer.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Diane Kochmann will be the organist. Serving as pallbearers will be Scott Frane Jr., Andrew Frane, Travis Bjerk, Chris Birkholz, Ricky Flicek, Roger Luckow, Dave Wiemer, Harold Allrich with all of Billy's grandchildren and great-grandchildren as the honorary bearers.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2011 with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to services on Saturday at First Lutheran Church.

Burial will take place at the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen.