Erick E. Bjerke was born June 2, 1818, in Hurdal, Norway, while Berthe (Hagen) was born October 14, 1827, also in Hurdal. They were married January 26, 1847, in Hurdal, and had eleven children. Two of the children, Ole and Mathias, died in Norway. IIn 1880, Erick and Berthe emigrated and settled in Minnesota with their five youngest children: Syver, Anna, Lauritz, Edward and Mathia. The four older children, all sons, had already left Norway by that time. Erick and Berthe first lived in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, before moving to Beaver Creek Township, Steele County, North Dakota. The Bjerke family owned a farm in Beaver Creek Townshp.  Erick died October 18, 1907, while Berthe died February 9, 1920. Both were laid to rest in Beaver Creek Township Lutheran Church cemetery. Descendants still live in the area.

Source: Hatton Centennial 1884-1984: A Century of Change. Finley, ND: Steele County Press, 1983.