Rose Bjerkness, 99, of Idaho Falls, died December 6, 2005, at Riverview Assisted Living.

She was born December 21, 1905 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, to David Beck and Bertha Catlin Beck. She graduated from Osakis High School in 1923 and attended the Osakis Teacher=s Training School in 1923 and 1924 for teaching in rural schools. Rose received her teacher=s life certificate from St. Cloud State Teachers College in 1926. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

On March 30, 1929, she married Edward Albert Bjerkness in Butterfield, Minnesota. Rose taught in ungraded elementary schools in Watonwan, Todd, Morrison and Crow Wing counties, and 4th grade in the Deerwood Elementary school for 18 years including five years as the principal.

She was an active member for many years of the Cascade Methodist Church, Agate Rebekah Lodge 124, Eastern Star 204, Retired Education Association of Minnesota, Cuyuna Country Plus Club, Crosby Senior Citizen Group, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

In November 2000, Rose moved to Idaho Falls where she lived at Lincoln Court Retirement Center where she made many new friends and enjoyed daily visits with her daughter. When her health deteriorated she moved to Riverview Assisted Living Home in February 2004.

Rose was always pleasant and content with a ready smile for everyone.

She is survived by one daughter, Ginger (Norman) Kramer of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and one son, Duane (Jean) Bjerkness of Ironton, Minnesota; 3 grandsons, 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at the Cascade Methodist Church in Deerwood, Minnesota at a later date. Local arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, ID 83401.