Rev. Gordon N. Berntson

Rev. Gordon N. Berntson, 93, of Fargo, ND, died on Thursday, April 25, 2019, surrounded by family, in Edgewood Vista, Fargo.

Gordon Nels Berntson was born June 23, 1925, the son of George and Bertha (Aune) Berntson, on the family farm, Silvesta Township, rural Adams, ND. He was raised there and graduated from Adams High School in 1943. He then tried to join the Army but was sent home to help with farm work. Gordon later graduated from Augsburg College and Augsburg Theological Seminary in 1953.

On June 27, 1948, Gordon was united in marriage to Norma Westby in Fairdale, ND. Gordon felt his place in ministry was in rural farm communities. He served a five-church parish in Newfolden, MN, from 1953-1958, and churches in Northwood, ND, from 1958-1965, Rugby, ND, from 1965-1974, Carrington, ND, from 1974-1986, and Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo from 1986-1993. During his forty-year career, Gordon was actively involved with numerous church and community boards and organizations in every location they lived.

Following his retirement from full time ministry he spent several years as an interim pastor at various congregations in eastern North Dakota that were without full time pastors. Those congregations were in Edinburg, ND, Leonard, ND, Lisbon, ND, Adams, ND and Fargo, ND. He also helped serve as a substitute fill-in when needed.

Gordon and Norma's home was always open for guests and family and there was always room for more around the dinner table. His favorite recreation was hunting, and he and Norma enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Europe and around the USA. Most importantly, family came first and they thoroughly enjoyed having their grandchildren visit.

He is survived by his children, Paul (Sue) Berntson, Adams, ND, Daniel (Mary Katherine) Berntson, Edina, MN, James (Mary Beth) Berntson, Gillette, WY, Mark (Mary Lynn) Berntson, Pine River, MN, and Steve (Mary Alice) Berntson, Jamestown, ND; sixteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Haugen and Malvina (Curtis) Moe; and brothers, Luther (Helen) and Bernard (Cathy).

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Norma; daughters, Rebecca Berntson and Ruth (Robert) Stenson; daughter-in-law, Pamela VandeHoven Berntson; sisters, Lillian Clemens and Bergine Westby; and brother, Rudolph.

Memorials may be directed to the Anne Carlson Center, Oak Grove High School, or Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

A visitation for Pastor Berntson will be Sunday from 5 PM to 7 PM, with a 6:30 PM, Prayer Service in Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo.

His Funeral Service will be Monday, April 29, 2019, at 10:30 AM in Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

A Graveside Service will be Monday, April 29, 2019 at 4:45 pm in Hitterdal Cemertery, rural Adams, ND.

(Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead, MN)