Frederick "Rick" Ivar Bjerke

Frederick “Rick” Ivar Bjerke, 79, of North Ogden, Utah, passed away at McKay-Dee Hospital on March 1, 2026, following a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

Rick was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 27, 1946, to Gudbrand Bjerke and Helen Lucille Kidd. He completed all of his schooling in Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School, where he was active in Scouting and JROTC. Rick loved and remained involved in the Scouting program throughout his life. He spent four years at Philmont Scout Camp as both a scout and a counselor, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and later volunteered in Scouting programs in local church congregations.

Before beginning college, he spent a year in Norway with his father’s family, working with the Norwegian Forestry Institute and on a Norwegian freighter on the North Sea.

Rick’s passion for Scouting led him to attend Utah State University. While attending USU, Rick met Karen Ellen Stith. They were married on August 29, 1968, in Ogden, Utah, and shared nearly 58 years together. After graduating from USU and completing Army ROTC, Rick entered active duty during the Vietnam conflict and was stationed in Germany. While in Europe, Rick and Karen welcomed their first daughter, Amy, visited Rick’s extended family in Norway, and solemnized their marriage in the Bern Switzerland Temple.

After leaving active military service, Rick moved his family to the Ogden area, where they welcomed a son, Ryan, and have resided since 1973. Rick worked at the Ogden Defense Depot before transferring to Hill Air Force Base, where he served as a management analyst until his retirement. He also retired from the 96th Regional Readiness Command of the U.S. Army Reserves with a total of 37 years of military service, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Rick pursued many hobbies, each with enthusiasm, until he was ready for the next adventure. He was an avid photographer, loved motorcycles, and collected power tools, stamps, watches, shoes, and coats. However, Rick’s greatest drive was to help his family and friends. He never sought recognition; he was simply always there.

His children and grandchildren felt his steady support as he attended every volleyball, basketball, and soccer game; karate advancement; band concert; piano recital; primary program; and church talk. He helped his children move, remodel homes, paint walls, and landscape yards. He shoveled neighbors’ sidewalks, collected mail, and brought in garbage cans. He often provided quiet financial help to those facing difficult times.

Rick would be the first to acknowledge his own flaws—and he would just as quickly point out yours. He had a sharp and quick wit, especially when he felt someone needed correction.

Rick’s favorite place was at his cabin on the South Fork of the Ogden River, drinking a Pepsi beside a crackling fire that he relished making. The best conversations with our Dad and Papa happened there. He passed away surrounded by his entire family, sharing favorite memories of him—exactly as he would have wanted.

Rick is survived by his wife, Karen Bjerke of Ogden, Utah; his children, Amy Lynn Beckstead (Kurt) of Centerville, Utah, and Ryan David Bjerke (Allison) of North Salt Lake, Utah; and his grandchildren, Kara Ann Beckstead (Myles) of Austin, Texas; Keller John Beckstead (Amelia) of Pearland, Texas; Hannah Ellen Beckstead of Kearns, Utah; Emily Grace Beckstead of Centerville, Utah; Dayne Reider Bjerke (Raley) of North Salt Lake, Utah; Hayden Aksel Bjerke, currently serving in the Brazil Vitória Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ; and Davin Tate Bjerke of North Salt Lake, Utah.

Rick made his wishes clear and did not want a viewing or a traditional funeral. He requested that his ashes be spread at his cabin. The family will hold a memorial gathering there later this spring.

Rick stated plainly that he did not want anyone spending money on flowers that would fade. Instead, he would ask you to drink a Pepsi, listen to Willie Nelson, and help a neighbor in his honor.

The family wishes to thank the staff at McKay-Dee Intermediate Care for the skillful and compassionate care they provided during his brief illness, as well as the many family members, friends, and neighbors who offered love and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.