Richard D Bjertness, 67, passed away September 19, 2024, as he wished, at home with his family.
Richard was born July 27, 1957, to Ronald and Luella (Fokken) Bjertness at Harmony Hospital, Harmony, Minn. He started dairy farming and working for neighbors doing field work while in high school. He graduated from Harmony High School in 1975. After high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged having attained the rank of sergeant in 1981. He came back to live with his Grandma B and great uncle Bill to help them for a while and never left the home place. He resumed dairy farming with his Brown Swiss cows that he convinced his nieces and nephews that is where chocolate milk comes from. Since Rick was an Eagle Scout, a friend convinced him to become Scoutmaster in Harmony. He went on to become an adult leader trainer with Gamehaven Council, becoming a member of the Order of the Arrow and receiving the Silver Beaver award. He enjoyed participating in mountain man/voyageur rendezvous. After a back injury, he was employed at Harmony Enterprises as a machinist. Rick married Laurie Flemming in April 2003. He was very proud he never forgot a wedding anniversary “the last Saturday in April”. He was overjoyed to welcome his twin daughters in November 2004.
Rick was very involved in the community serving various offices on church council, including occasionally preaching the sermon and Sunday school teacher at Henrytown Lutheran. He was also township supervisor for Canton Township, election judge and member of Canton American Legion. He loved spending time with his family, attending his daughters’ activities especially trap nights. He loved his horses, especially Tom, a Percheron gelding he raised from birth and Clem, his Clyde mule, he snuck into the barn, who finally out-stubborned him.
He is survived by his wife Laurie, daughters Anna and Ella, sisters Cris (Jim) Manke, Rachel (Dan) Engelhardt, sisters-in-law Linda (Russ) Anderson and Leann (Dean) Schoenfeld, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephew.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Lester and Lorene Flemming and niece Jenny Sletten,
Because Rick was a proud Marine, a celebration of life will be Sunday, November 10, 2 p.m. preceded by visitation starting at 12:30 at Henryown Lutheran Church, rural Harmony.
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