Virgil Bjerke Family Scholarship

Virgil Bjerke’s calling was as a Lutheran pastor. That’s what he wanted to be, and that’s what he knew God wanted him to be. To prepare for that vocation he earned his undergraduate degree from Augustana College in South Dakota and went on to obtain his graduate degree from Luther Seminary in Minnesota. He pursued additional education throughout his life, eventually earning a doctorate in theology from the Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, California. He was supported in his calling by his wife Phyllis, his true helpmeet and companion. They were married for more than 62 years.

After serving two parishes in South Dakota, the Bjerkes moved to Long Beach to assume leadership of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where they remained for more than 25 years. Although he officially retired in 1984, Virgil spent the next 20 years as interim pastor for numerous parishes. He just didn’t know how to “retire.” In their later years, the Bjerkes moved to the Quaker Gardens retirement community in Stanton, California. Even there, Pastor Virgil continued to share his pastoral gifts. His parishioners appreciated his ready smile and the twinkle in his eye, as well as his spunky personality.

In addition to his pastoral duties and activities, Pastor Bjerke found time to serve CLU as a Convocator and as a contributing member of the committee that worked to endow the Belgum Chair of Lutheran Confessional Theology. The Bjerkes had five children—two daughters and three sons. Their youngest son John attended California Lutheran University, graduating with the class of 1988.

The Virgil Bjerke Family Scholarship is designated for a student majoring in either education or religion, with a stated preference that it is to be awarded as often as possible to a Lutheran student.