BONNIE JEAN JERKE
FEBRUARY 01, 1951- JULY 08, 2017
Bonnie Jean Jerke was born February 01, 1951 in Miles City, MT to Albert and Lorraine Jerke. After leaving the hospital Bonnie was taken home to the farm west of Terry, where she enjoyed living the farm life. Bonnie loved spending time with her older brother Larry and had a strong influence on her younger brother Dana. Bonnie grew up learning all about farm life from her mother Lorraine, Bonnie was especially fond of sewing and baking. Keeping busy at the farm was just the beginning for Bonnie, she was a very avid 4H member for most of her childhood. Bonnie attended Terry High School where she graduated Valedictorian in 1969.
Bonnie graduated from Montana State University in 1973 and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology. During summer breaks from college, Bonnie worked for the Montana Migrant Education Program. After graduating from MSU, Bonnie moved to Portland, Oregon where she obtained her Master of Arts Degree from Western Evangelical Seminary, as well as her Teachers Diploma, in May of 1976.
Bonnie became the Director of Christian Education for Faith ECNA, Portland, Oregon, in 1976-1979. She also worked as a Residential Counselor in Portland, from 1976-1980. Bonnie found her niche when she went to work at George Fox University, in Newberg, Oregon from 1980-2013. Bonnie worked as a Resident Director and Academic Success Program Director before taking the position of the Director of Career Services. Bonnie retired in 2013, travelling between Montana and Oregon quite frequently.
Bonnie was diagnosed with appendix cancer in May of 2014. Bonnie moved back to Montana in December of 2016 to continue chemotherapy. Bonnie fought a valiant fight against the cancer for as long as she could. Bonnie was transferred to Billings, MT on July 1, 2017 where she passed away at Billings Clinic on July 08, 2017.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Lorraine Jerke. Bonnie is survived by her brother Larry (Sue) Jerke; brother Dana (Kim) Jerke; nephew Nicholas (Kira)Jerke and their two children Kyle and Asha; Niece Rhianna Jerke; and Nephew Brendon (Chelsea) Jerke. Bonnie loved all animals, especially: Greta, Roper, Huey, Ruxin, and Kota. Bonnie has three surviving aunts, Alice (Rueben) Schroeber, Darlene (Leo) Solf, and Joanne (Lyle) Peil, as well as Dorothy (Archie) Schroeber and Joyce (Arnie Jerke) Tvetene, and many cousins. Bonnie had many wonderful friends who faithfully supported her throughout her life. Apologies to anyone not acknowledged.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Special thanks to Linda Miller for officiating the service and for preparing the video. Linda has put in countless hours helping the Jerke Family through this difficult time.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday July 13, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Friday July 14, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday July 13, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Friday July 14, 2017
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Prayers to Bonnie’s family. She was a remarkable woman, and I was proud to be her friend.
Gwen Wickham says
I was so saddened to hear this news. Prayers for the family and her friends.
Marjorie Williamson says
Prayers to the family of a very special lady!
Lois Bloom says
I can’t believe that you are gone so soon, too soon, our friend and classmate. You were a remarkable, smart woman with great abilities. My heart goes out to your family.
Craig & Jeri DUnnam says
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
Bonnie is walking victoriously with her Jesus on the streets of Gold. Prayer for the family and friends.
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Prayers for all of you. So sad to hear of Bonnie passing. She was a wonderful person.
Lee and Kathy Baugatz says
Larry and Dana and families so sorry to hear about Bonnie you are in thoughts and prayers
Betty Ganser says
Always looked so forward to seeing her when she would visit her mom. I am so sorry for your loss, Bonnie was such a lovely lady. My prayers are with all of you.
Krissy and Sean Findley says
Such a treasure and she will most certainly be missed! I got to see Bonnie about a week before she moved back to Montana. I’m so grateful we had the chance to visit one last time. While my heart is so sad to hear she’s passed, I am so excited for her that she is walking in wholeness with Jesus now. Just as she loved to share stories of her home, Montana, I’m sure she’s taking it all in of her new home, Heaven. Love you and we will miss you Bonnie! The Findley’s- Krissy and Sean
Robert bonogofsky says
So sorry to hear about your loss
Dennis & Susan Bakken says
So sorry for your loss
Rod Porch says
Sorry for your family’s loss.
Teal Dobie says
I’m so sad to hear of Bonnie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. Bonnie was such a joy to speak with when she would come visit her mother at Friendship Villa whom I had the privilege of taking care of. She will be missed.
Tom And Sheryl Killham says
Larry and Dana, So sorry to hear this. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mick and Liz Holsclaw says
God gave all of us a gift in Bonnie. She was a joyful friend, constant in support, and a great mentor to many. We will miss her even though we know we are not parted forever. We are sorry for this loss to your family.
Brian and Susan Doran says
Our condolences to Bonnie’s family, we attended Seminary together and my husband graduated in the same class. We enjoyed many special times together, such fun. She was someone who you would never forget. Heaven has gained and we have lost.
Beth Molzahn says
Bonnie and I were acquainted through many years of working at GFU. I most often asked her when she would be heading back to Montana, or if she had just returned, how her time there had been. She loved her family and wanted to be with them as much as possible and her Oregon friends knew it. She gave me the privilege of working with her to pack up her home in Oregon. We had such a sweet, deeply good time together for several days. It was such an unexpected time of truly becoming close friends. She has so many friends because she was an excellent friend to so many. She inspired me with her choice to live until she no longer could. I wish you could have all heard her plans for influencing youth “when” she came through the cancer. She had a hope for the future that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I have missed her since she moved but I am comforted along with her other friends and family through the blessed assurance of heaven. Condolences to her family.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
We are so sad over the loss of a good friend. She was so loving and caring even when going through her own illness. She will never be forgotten Our deepest sympathies to. All of her family. Larry.,DAna and families you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Helen (Hinkle) Shaw says
Bonnie had a servant heart. When she herself wasn’t feeling well, she cleaned up after a family gathering, washing dishes and putting away–that was late August of 2016. She was a sweet, gentle lady and will be missed even though I didn’t see her often, she was always welcoming. I know she was very special to her aunt Dorothy,also.
Hugs and prayers to each of you.
Helen (Hinkle)Shaw Taylorsville, Ut
Linda Steinmetz Lentz says
What a shock to read the paper this morning and see where a very dear friend had passed on and as I am at work and smiling and crying remembering fun times from our college days at Montana State University. Our families shared many of the same backgrounds and that was a real common bond.
“The Lord needed a special Angel right now and so he took one of the most special people in my life–she taught me much about staying strong in faith and believing at all times. Even though there were long stretches of time in between our seeing each and visiting with each other she was one of my “Happy Thoughts” almost daily.
Larry and Dana and families so sorry I know how much she loved you!
Linda Steinmetz Lentz Park City, Montana
Janet Millay says
Bonnie was a dear colleague and friend. I admired her kindness and strength. She brought insight, love and her gentle way to all she did. I will miss her spunk and humor.
Linda Reksten says
Bonnie and I went to Western Evangelical Seminary together. She was also my room mate as well at WES. I have known her since college days. She has always been an inspiration and encouragement to me personally. I am saddened by her passing but now she has a perfect resurrected body like Jesus and there is no pain or sadness only joy! She is in the place Jesus has prepared for her. I miss her but when we will see her again in heaven!
Tom and Robin Kiel says
Larry and Dana We are very sorry for the loss of your sister.
Jane Huber says
So very sorry for your loss! Jane
Judy Deale says
Deepest condolences at the death of your sister, Bonnie. I worked with Bonnie at GFU, and she helped prepare our MAT students, for many years, prepare for interviews and crafting their resume, and interviewing skills.
Thank you for sharing her with GFU! Judy
Mary Prokop says
Larry & Dana & family-I am DEEPLY SADDENED to hear of Bonnie’s passing from this earth. Larry, I remember the great times we had when you were here in Portland during the late 70’s…. Bonnie & I were roommates during her WES years and our friendship continued on until the end. I was so sad that she was moving to Montana cuz it seemed I might not see her again…she was DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR ALL SHE WAS WORTH & that she did! There was never a time we met to visit and catch up that she didn’t talk about how she longed to be with her dear brothers and extended family in Montana! I’m praying for your peace and comfort that is only truly found in Jesus Christ Himself! The best honor we can give Bonnie is to honor our Lord & savior in every part of our life! Bonnie, I miss you so so VERY much! I’ll see you for eternity!
Darlene Strobel says
Oh, sorry to hear of the death of my good friend. I always enjoyed our visits when we were together. We had good times at the migrant program. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
joyce wilcox says
I can still hear your giggle. The world is a lesser place and Heaven is rejoicing. So many memories bind us. I will see you again and our joyous laughter will fill the Heavens at our reunion. I will miss you and think of you often til then.
Bethany Bylsma says
I worked with Bonnie, as a student at George Fox University, and then was lucky enough to see her as alumni seeking career counseling services. She had the best giggle, and the most cheerful personality. I loved working with her, and hear her stories about Montana. Bonnie, your shining light in this world will be missed. You were a lovely human.
Cheryl Fuhrman says
So sorry to hear of Bonnirs passing our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janet Bray says
I am so sorry to learn of Bonnie’s passing. My schooling in Terry began in 2nd grade so I attended 2nd – 12th grades with Bonnie. We were good friends through all of those years. She and I attended Girl State together as seniors. Most importantly, she was my one and only bridesmaid in 1970. I can still picture her in her pale yellow bridesmaid dress. Very special memories for me. My prayers are with you now.
Nancy Norton says
Bonnie,
You were greatly loved and will be greatly missed. I hope your family will hold on to their special memories, as will I. Rest in peace.
Shari Bowman says
Bonnie came to George Fox University in 1980, the same year my husband John and I came. We shared a February 1 birthday and I think that discovery is what initially brought us together. We always celebrated our birthdays with dinner out. She traveled as the second faculty person with John on a Juniors Abroad trip to Europe, and she so hoped to travel again. Bonnie was a good, good friend, and I miss her. She honored me with asking me to take her to her chemotherapy appointments here in Newberg. She was a brave gal. Her hope of heaven is realized.
Kent and Christie Liles says
RIP Bonnie From one your former classmates.
brigitte harms says
Prayers to the family. sorry for your loss. Bonnie was a very nice lady. RIP Bonnie
Clarice Wilsey says
Bonnie and I were colleagues in the career services field for 30 years. I am deeply saddened by her passing. She was a wonderful colleague, an incredible career counselor and she provided great services to her many many students. It is a true loss that she has left our world; however, I know she is with her Lord who she loved. Rest dear Bonnie