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Obituary For Rodney Bjerke
Rodney Jerome Bjerke, 71, passed away unexpectedly, March 31, 2025.
Rodney was born April 12, 1953, in Waterloo, Iowa to Jerome and Myrle Bjerke. He attended Waterloo West High School, University of Northern Iowa, and graduated from Palmer School of Chiropractic.
Rodney served in the United States Navy from July 1972 to July 1975. He began working in the boiler room at the University of Northern Iowa and later enrolled before beginning his Chiropractic journey. During his UNI days, he met the love of his life, Randi Bjerke. Rodney and Randi were married August 4, 1979. They shared 45 wonderful years together - attached at the hip.
He was an avid coffee fan. Always ready to make a fresh brew for anyone asking. With an adventurous spirit, he could often be found hiking trails with family, fishing, biking, or gardening. Rodney had retired earlier this year after 40 years of practicing chiropractic care at Bjerke Chiropractic Center in Ankeny. He was looking forward to his rest and relaxation days and making memories with the people he loved most.
He is survived by his wife, Randi; his children; Jon, (Kate), Amy, Rachel, Ben, and Dan. His sister, Wendy Baldwin (Denny); brother, Randy Bjerke (Linda); sister, Kathy Reed (John). His sister-in-law, Pam DenHerder; sister-in-law, Cindy Gross; brother-in-law, Brent Gross (Cindy); and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, cheerfulness, and loving heart for Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Myrle Bjerke; his brothers-in-law, Bruce Gross and Phil DenHerder; his nephew, Heath Dykstra; his great-nephew, Tate Smith; his great-niece, Tessa Smith; and his dog, Luckee.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Capitol City Church (5990 NE 14th St., Des Moines, IA) with visitation held one hour prior. Refreshments will be served following the service.
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Douglas Brian Ross planted 5 trees in memory of Rodney Bjerke . - May 21, 2025
I was very shocked by Rodney's passing. As a patient for many years he was always able to get me moving and pain free again. I was always struck by his positivity and sense of humor. Condolences to all of his family.
Condolences to Randi and the family. We are shocked and heartbroken to hear of his passing. When we had our last monthly visit we found out that would be our last visit because he was going to retire. We told him he was more than a Doctor to us but a very dear friend!
We are shocked and saddened to hear about Dr. Bjerke, but not as those who have no hope (1 Corinthians 15). Condolences from the Young family.
I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Bjerke's passing. My prayers are with Randi and all the family. Dr. Bjerke and I had the same back condition and he treated me for almost 20 years. We talked about faith many times. May the eternal light of Christ shine upon him, grant him peace, and rest. 🙏🙏🙏
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I enjoyed the woodsy art he made while you two were hiking. He was a very special person & friend. He will be missed.
Words cannot express the shock of hearing the sad news. For many years I was a patient, along with my 2 teenagers...who would often get mad at me for standing and chatting with Rodney for a long time after our checkout. I loved hearing his stories about nature hikes and gardening, and following how his wife, Randi's (who I shared a birthday with) health was improving. I am so upset with myself for not wishing him a happy retirement, but I just recently found out. My condolences to his family during this sad time. Rodney had many friends so good memories of him are plentiful.
I was just a patient for a couple years while I was in grad school, living in a little apartment near his clinic. He was a good healer, and helped me keep me moving during those stressful busy years. He was notable friendly, affable, and always remembered what to talk to you about. As a horticulturist, I was so delighted to speak to him about woodland flowers. My condolences.
