Renee Helene Bjerke was born July 31, 1939 in Staten Island, New York, the daughter of the late Homer and Mildred (Orenstein) Wood. Her father was a career Navy man and her family moved around the United States. She graduated high school in Texas. Renee was united in marriage to Gary Bjerke on December 23, 1968 in Rock Island, Illinois. The couple made their home in Iowa and North Dakota, returning to North Dakota in 2002. Renee worked for the Life Skills and Transition Center, Friendship and the Lutheran Sunset Home. Gary passed away on October 13, 2016.
She loved her grandchildren and spending time with her family. She enjoyed gardening, her pets and shopping.
Renee is survived by her children: Karee Stubbs, San Francisco, CA; Kim (David) Brekke, Windsor, CO; Kory (Lois) Bjerke, Grafton, ND; Kristan (Darren) Demers, Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Kody Brekke, Dallas, TX; Wyatt, Walker and Willow Demers, Grafton, ND; sisters: Sandy Johnson, Battle Ground, WA; Robin Wood, San Diego, CA. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gary, grandson, Adam David Brekke and two brothers.
Private family services will be held in the spring.