David Bjerkestrand, 89

It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce the passing of David Lowell Bjekestrand on June 20, 2021, at Life Care Coeur d’ Alene, where he was rehabbing after being in the hospital. David was born to Hazel and Ole Bjerkestrand on March 7, 1932 in Minneapolis, Mo. He was 89 years old.

David was the son of missionary parents and spent most of his early school years in India. He attended boarding school at Mount Herman School near Darjeeling, then to Woodstock School in Landour, Mo., U.P., India, graduating in 1950. David attended Pacific Lutheran University for two years, then graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in History. He served two years in the U.S Army.

David worked most of his life for Northrup King Seed Company as an area manager in several parts of the country.

At the age of 65, in 1997, he married Lois Hostetler Young, a childhood friend and schoolmate from India, and they were happily married for 20 years until her passing on May 15, 2017.

David will be remembered as a kind, faithful, faith-filled, wise, supportive, and generous person. He loved Jesus, America, India, and his Norwegian heritage. History, Indian food, and sports were important to him. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene. Many thanks to the community at The Village at Orchard Ridge, where he lived the last two years.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, his brother Albert Bjerkestrand, and his sister-in-law Bonnie Bjerkestrand. He is survived by his brother Pastor Joel Bjerkestrand (Sue) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; niece Kari Kearney (John) of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephew Derek Bjerkestrand (Julianne) of Peoria, Ariz.; niece Joy Allison (Tim) of Tacoma, Wash.; nephews Lowell Bjerkestrand (Lynn) of Richland, Wash.; Wray Bjerkestrand (Merrily) of Spokane, Wash.; Mark Bjerkestrand (Heidi) of Spokane, Wash.; and many grand nephews, nieces and cousins; and step daughters Penny Young Sanders (Steve), and Nancy Maloney (Joe).

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 10 at Trinity Lutheran, 812 N. 5th St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 83814. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or a place of your choosing.