Phillip G. Bjerken, age 62, of Chaska, MN, formerly Mound, MN, died on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home in Chaska, MN.

Phillip Gustave Bjerken, was born to Arthur and Ardelle (Johnson) Bjerken on March 31, 1954, at the Mahnomen Hospital. As a young child, he lived on the farm with his parents and siblings outside of Mahnomen until 1965, when he and his family moved to Ortonville, MN. Phil attended High School in Ortonville and graduated with the class of 1972. He studied political science at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus. He worked for Roberts Tuxedo/Formal Wear starting in college and later owned and operated it. Phil was the controller for Scrap Metal Processors and finally led the accounting department for Blue Star Productions. He has made his home in Mound for the past 20 years and recently moved to Chaska.  Phil formerly was a member of the Masons serving at one time as grand master and over the years was also involved with Miss Black Minnesota and The Blind Society. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy times hunting, fishing, and sitting around the campfire with his family and beloved dog, Liberty.  He was also a talented woodworker and shared his gift with many. Phil cherished his family, each of his nieces and nephews, and all who were dear in his life.

Phillip is survived by his mother, Ardelle Engebretson of Waconia, MN; his father, Arthur Bjerken of Hutchinson, MN; three sisters: Linda (Rod) Spronk, of Edgerton, MN, Ingrid (David) Ingle of Chaska, and Jeanette (Don Davis) of Brookings, SD; four brothers: Andy (Peggy) of Buffalo, MN, James (Robin) of Dilworth, MN, Arleigh (Mary Long) of Carlotta, CA, and Matthew of Osakis, MN; one brother-in-law, William Van Hecke of Chaska; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne and his sister, Marlene Van Hecke.

If so desired, memorials may be given to Second Harvest Food Shelf, 1140 Gervais Ave., St. Paul, MN 55109-2020.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 11:30 am at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN. Visitation was one hour prior to the services. Pastor Julie Malone  officiated with special music provided by Eli Bentley. Serving as pallbearers were Andy Bjerken, Arleigh Bjerken, James Bjerken, Matthew Bjerken, William Van Hecke, Rod Spronk, and David Ingle. Honorary bearers were Phillip's nieces and nephews, Harlon Monson and Jim Carlson. Interment took place at First Lutheran Cemetery in Mahnomen.