Gunnar Olin Bjerk

NOTE: An online version of this memorial with photos and clickable links to the songs is here: robbjerk.com/gunnar ~~~~~~~~ Gunnar Olin Bjerk (Nov 21, 1950 - Sept 13, 2023) passed away in Corvallis, Oregon, at the age of 72. Gunnar was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Patricia Bjerk (Aug 1980), father, William Charles Bjerk (Nov 1985), and step-mother, Marilyn Kelso (March 2011). A brief marriage in his early 20’s left no children, and Gunnar is survived by his brother, Robert William Bjerk (wife, Carolyn) of Riverton, Illinois, their children and grandchildren, cousins, step-brothers, and a step aunt. ~~~~~~~~ Gunnar was a skilled mechanic even in his younger years in Madison, Wisconsin. He once locked his bedroom for weeks until it was discovered that he had assembled a motorcycle from parts in his upstairs room. In his 20’s he moved to Oregon. In several Oregon cities he worked on motorcycles, as well as autos and trucks. Even in 2023, at 72, he achieved Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification as an Automobile Technician in Engine Repair, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering and Brakes. He was known for his excellent work when he worked for others and when he ran his own business. Gunnar was also talented in electronic circuitry, computer programing, art, and honky-tonk piano. Although he often would hang out with the guys after work, he was more often to be found developing new tools, tuning pianos, writing computer programs, diagramming complex electrical circuits, or perfecting audio systems. One close friend who took an electronics course with Gunnar tells of the time when Gunnar completed the assignment in such an advanced manner that the instructor said he didn’t even know how to grade it because it was so far beyond level of the assignment. This friend went on to become an electrical engineer at the University of Wisconsin, and he felt Gunnar had the talent to do likewise if he had gone in that direction. Although Gunnar was more into his advanced projects than social activities, he was a person who would put others ahead of himself and do his best to use his many talents to benefit those around him. His life as a mechanic was accomplished while he endured a significant scoliosis of the spine that made mechanical work even more uncomfortable for him than usual. Gunnar was never well-off financially. At one point in his life where he faced significant debt, he did not avoid it or declare bankruptcy. Instead, he lived in his truck for over a year to pay back what he owed. Gunnar was not only proficient in many skills. He was also known to be a knowledgeable student of the Bible. He took such spiritual matters seriously and could discuss them in some depth. Perhaps his interest is reflected in the the various lyrics and artists he had written down for the song “Hallelujah.” If you are online with this memorial that includes photos, you may click on the blue words below to hear the songs Gunnar took notes on. Otherwise, you can search these words on YouTube. Anna Clendening Hallelujah Kaylee Rogers Christmas Hallelujah Cloverton Christmas Hallelujah Kelley Moony Easter Hallelujah Following a private gathering for prayer, remembrances, and commendation of Gunnar to God with hopes of resurrection through Jesus, Gunnar was laid to rest with Father and Mother on October 25, 2023. He is in Forest Hill Cemetery, 1 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin, Section 32, Lot 22B, Grave 5. On the opposite side his paternal grandparents Ira and Lillian are buried. This remembrance of Gunnar is on the internet at DeMossDurdan.com. You can find Gunnar there under the OBITUARIES tab at the top of the site. Please feel free to leave any comments, or memories of Gunnar there that you would like to share. Gunnar was very interested in health and nutrition. Donations in his name can be made to KidsFirst4ever.com.

Gunnar Olin Bjerk

November 21, 1950 - September 13, 2023