Blanche Bjertness, age 89, of New Rockford, ND, died Friday, June 12, 2009, at Elim Care Center in Fargo, ND.

Blanc-he Gladys Simonson was born September 7, 1919, to Ole and Mattie (Skillebeck) Simonson at their home in Norway Lake Township, Benson County, ND. Blanche attended school at Norway Lake Township and graduated from Benson County Ag Training School in Maddock. Blanche married Grant Bjertness at Eden Lutheran Church September 27, 1941. Blanche and Grant farmed in the Eden community until they retired in 1979, and moved to New Rockford in 1982. Grant passed away in 1992. Blanche made her home in New Rockford until January 2009, when she became a resident of Elim Care Center in Fargo.

Blanche was very active in the community and church. She was active with the church women, served as a 4-H leader, Farmers Union Youth leader, member of the Eagles Auxiliary and Martha's Circle, as well as a field worker for the North Dakota Farmers Union for three years. Blanche was a lifelong member of Eden Lutheran Church until it was destroyed by fire, she then became a member of First Lutheran Church of New Rockford.

Blanche was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and as a child, Norwegian was her fluent language. She became a master at lefse making and was known for her artistic skills at baking and decorating wedding cakes.

Blanche will be remembered by many for her kindness and love she showed to everyone she met. She gave big hugs and smiles, making everyone feel special to her. Blanche lived her life by her faith in our Lord and served Him in many ways.

She is survived by many nephews and nieces.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Grant; sister, Opal Kutz; and brother, Maynard.

Funeral service: Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, New Rockford.

Interment: Eden Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sheyenne, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 8 p.m., all in Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford.