Gwen Bjerke, age 83, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the Aurora-Brule Care & Rehabe in White Lake, SD.

Gwen was born on April 9, 1934 in Ward, SD to Harry and Cecelia Barthel Blum. She grew up in the Ward area and attended country school. Over the years Gwen made her home in Flandreau, SD and Pipestone, MN before settling in Hadley, MN where she worked for Fey Industries in Edgerton, MN. Gwen later moved to Brookings, SD to be near her daughter, Chris for a short time before moving to Mitchell, SD to be near her other daughter, Jean. Due to failing health Gwen moved to Aurora-Brule Care & Rehab in White Lake. She was a member of the Hadley Lutheran Church in Hadley, MN. Gwen also was a member of the Hadley Lioness Club. Gwen enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends, gardening, playing cards and her cat, Sera.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses: Jean (Russell) Whaley of Mitchell, Chris Schmidt of Brookings, Loren (Kathy) Heyduk of Lakeville, MN, and Dan (Karla) Heyduk of White River; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one son-in-law, Doug, two grandsons, Bryan Whaley and Kristopher Whaley, one great-granddaughter, Jayda Springer and one brother, Harold Blum.

Memorial Services will be held at the Hadley Lutheran Church in Hadley, MN on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Kerry Boese officiating. Interment is at Union Cemetery in Flandreau, SD. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Thursday.

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