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Bjerke 'made a difference,' earns Christian award

Craig Bjerke has a heart of gold, is compassionate to the point of it feeling like a blunt force trauma, speaks the truth whether someone wants to hear it or not, and possesses an undeniable love for God and teaching of the Bible, family and frie...

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Craig Bjerke of Alexandria (holding award) was presented the Ernie Unruh Christian Award from the Unity Foundation at a luncheon Friday, Nov. 17. Unity Foundation committee members with Bjerke, include (left to right) Ken Snyder, Kellie Janssen and Tim Cullen. Committee members not pictured include Craig Olson and Lee Backhaus. (Celeste Edenloff / Echo Press)

Craig Bjerke has a heart of gold, is compassionate to the point of it feeling like a blunt force trauma, speaks the truth whether someone wants to hear it or not, and possesses an undeniable love for God and teaching of the Bible, family and friends said.

They added that he also loves a good prank and surprising people when they least expect it.

Bjerke was himself surprised Friday afternoon when he received this year's Ernie Unruh Christian Award. He had attended the Unity Foundation luncheon thinking someone else was the honoree.

"This is the crappiest day of my life," he jokingly told the large audience of family, friends and acquaintances. "What are you people doing? I don't even know how to respond."

Grinning from ear to ear, he responded by thanking everyone who was in attendance, especially his family, including his son, Aaron, and 2-year-old grandson, Joshua, who flew in from New York City, and his daughter, Jenna Langer, who lives in St. Paul.

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"I am honored and blessed," he said more seriously. "I have a terrific wife and two awesome children and two wonderful grandchildren.Thank you, just thank you all."

Bjerke, a retired graphic arts and design teacher from Alexandria Technical and Community College, told the crowd that if they don't know Jesus, that today should be the day to start. He encouraged them to be born again.

And although he said the sky isn't falling, he feels the world is in more turmoil than normal.

"We are a generation that will see the return of Jesus Christ," he added.

Before thanking everyone again for being there and being named as the Ernie Unruh Christian Award winner, Bjerke recited from memory Psalm 91 in its entirety.

This Psalm is commonly invoked in times of hardship and talks about the Lord being people's refuge and protector.

During the luncheon, more than 10 friends, family, co-workers and a former student shared why Bjerke deserved the award. In addition, many comments from other former students were read praising Bjerke and describing how he touched their lives and helped them find the Lord.

Craig Nathe, who nominated Bjerke for the award, said Bjerke is a major inspiration in his life.

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"He is all about the truth," said Nathe. "Even if you have thin skin, you will hear the truth. He speaks the truth in a loving, factual way."

Kevin Kopischke, former Alexandria Technical and Community College president, said Bjerke's tenure at the college was fabulous and that when he thought about Bjerke, four words came to mind: "You made a difference."

Kopischke said Bjerke made a difference for his students, re-entering adults, student groups and faculty and staff.

"You were a mentor and gave good advice and direction," Kopischke said.

Bjerke's son, Aaron, a pastor in New York City, said he couldn't add much to what had been said. He thanked everyone for honoring his dad and said that his dad spent the energy in his heart getting to know God.

"Thank you, this was a well-deserved award," he said.

The Ernie Unruh Christian Service Award was first given in 2008 and was called the Christian Service Award. In 2011, it was renamed in honor of Alexandria businessman Ernie Unruh, who died that July.

Past recipients of the award include Ed Christopherson, 2008; Brett Paradis, 2009; Tim Ferguson, 2010; Ernie Unruh, 2011; Gary Anderson, 2012; Lois Digre and Karla Stotesbery, 2013; Dr. Lowell Gess, 2014; Deanne Novotny, 2015; and Jean Schonberg, 2016.

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The award is sponsored by the Unity Foundation, an interdenominational group of business people from Alexandria and the surrounding area.

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Craig Bjerke, giving his two-year-old grandson, Joshua Bjerke, a kiss, was honored at the Unity Foundation luncheon when he was awarded the Ernie Unruh Christian Award. Family and friends, including his son, Aaron from New York (right) and his daughter, Jenna Langer from St. Paul (left) surprised Bjerke at the luncheon, which took place on Friday, Nov. 17, at Broadway Ballroom. (Celeste Edenloff / Echo Press)

Celeste Edenloff is the special projects editor and a reporter for the Alexandria Echo Press. She has lived in the Alexandria Lakes Area since 1997. She first worked for the Echo Press as a reporter from 1999 to 2011, and returned in 2016 to once again report on the community she calls home.

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