Wayne Arthur Bjerketvedt

Wayne Bjerketvedt, age 68, of Barnesville, MN, died on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Essentia Hospital in Fargo with his loving family at his side. 

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. James United Church of Christ in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Jim Wilson officiating.  Burial will follow in City Cemetery, Barnesville, MN. 

Memorial Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN. 

Wayne Arthur Bjerketvedt was born on November 28, 1954 to Howard and Beverly (Albertson) Bjerketvedt in Parkers Prairie, MN.  He was baptized right after birth because he was suffering some issues.  Wayne grew up in Henning, MN and graduated from Henning High School in 1973.  

Wayne went off to St. Cloud State University and majored in English and Speech.  After graduating from college in 1977, he went on to teach high school English in Menahga, MN for two years.  He then transferred to teaching in Hancock, MN and continued teaching English and Speech, directed the school play, and coached golf.  This is where he met the love of his life, Ms. Judy Lewis, who was teaching kindergarten at the time.  He was known to his students as “Mr. B.”  They were married on July 26, 1986, at St. James UCC in Barnesville, MN and continued to make their home together in Morris, MN.  In 2004, Wayne took a medical leave and they retired to Barnesville, MN. 

Wayne was an avid duck hunter.  He raised two Chesapeake dogs, Champ and Link, that he used to hunt waterfowl.  He loved to read and really enjoyed the Western genre.  Most of all, he enjoyed times together with family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife Judy of Barnesville, MN, one brother Verdell (Valerie) Bjerketvedt of Willmar, MN, one sister Vicky (Gary) Housman, of Whitehall, MT; nieces and nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Beverly, three brothers in law: Bruce, Keith, Roger, and his father and mother in law Edward and Evelyn Lewis.