Dane Michael Bjerke

Dane Bjerke passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at University of Michigan Medical Center with his family by his side. He was four days shy of his 48 ^th birthday. Dane was born July 21, 1974, in Fargo, North Dakota. He was the eldest child born to Terry Duane and Jean Ann (Zon) Bjerke. He would later welcome his siblings, Jennifer, Terry Brandon, Thomas, Solomon, Amber, and Kimberlee. Dane graduated from Red River High School in Grand Forks, ND, in 1992. While in high school, he worked for his family's business in agricultural milling. Dane attended the University of North Dakota and on September 27, 1996, married the love of his life, Erin Haugen, in Grand Forks. They moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan in 2002 to become Vice President of Sales for Crippen Mfg. In 2008 he started his own business, AMS Bjerke Corp., manufacturing equipment and, in 2019, purchased Crippen Mfg. Dane enjoyed hunting, spending time at the river, entertaining, cooking for large numbers, being in the company of his many friends, and, often, buying a round of drinks for friends. He was a family man and profoundly happy in their company, especially when playing with his grandchildren. Dane will surely be missed by those who knew him, but was undoubtedly welcomed by his faithful companion, Babe. Dane leaves behind his wife, Erin; children, Ann Marie of New York, NY, Alison Bjerke (Josh Naert) of Mt. Pleasant, and Brandon Bjerke of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Marie and Grant Bjerke; his mother and step father, Jean and William Bushaw of Grand Forks, ND; siblings, Jennifer Bjerke, Thomas Bjerke, Solomon Bjerke, Amber Rose Bjerke, and Kimberlee Vigen; parents in-law, Rodger and Chris Haugen of Fargo, ND; and paternal grandfather, Duane Bjerke of Buxton, ND. He was preceded in death by his father Terry Duane Bjerke; and brother Terry Brandon Bjerke. A celebration of Dane's life will be held at the Green Spot Pub in Mt. Pleasant on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. There will be a time for sharing beginning at 5 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to the family. Envelopes will be available at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home. Floral arrangements can be made through 3 Wishes Floral in Mt. Pleasant.