Norma E. Berntson, 83, Fargo, ND, died Monday, September 6, 2010, in Innovis Health, Fargo.
Norma Ethel Westby was born March 9, 1927, to Einar and Rose (Mathiason) Westby in rural Fairdale, ND. She graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in 1945 and attended Mayville (ND) State College where she obtained her teacher's certificate. Norma taught for one year at the Gryde School near Hoople, ND. She then attended Augsburg College and taught for a year at the Binas School near Adams, ND.
On June 27, 1948, Norma married Gordon Berntson at Aadalen Lutheran Church near Fairdale and they made their home in Minneapolis, MN, while Gordon completed college and seminary. Together they raised a family and served God in Newfolden, MN (1953-1958), Northwood, ND (1958-1965), Rugby, ND (1965-1974), Carrington, ND (1974-1986), and Fargo, where they have lived since 1986.
Norma was an active member of the women's organizations at the churches they served and sang in church choirs. Norma worked at various daycares, nursing homes, and opened her own home to foster children. She was a skilled quilter, letter writer, gardener and homemaker. Norma greatly enjoyed the company of family and friends and she loved to entertain at her home.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Gordon Berntson, Fargo; five children, Paul (Pam) Berntson, Adams, Dr. Daniel (Mary) Berntson, Edina, MN, James (Mary Beth) Berntson, Gillette, WY, Dr. Mark (Mary Lynn) Berntson, Grand Forks, ND, and Rev. Steven (Mary) Berntson, Fargo; a son-in-law, Bob Stenson, Thief River Falls, MN; sixteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Joyce Weiss, Sturgis, SD, and Irene Westby, Moorhead, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Rebecca Berntson and Ruth Stenson; and a brother, Raymond.
Memorials preferred to Oak Grove Lutheran School and the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church Stained Glass Window Fund.
Visitation: Thursday from 5 - 7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo.
Funeral: Friday, September 10, 2010 at 10:30 AM in Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.
Burial: Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 1:30 PM in Hitterdal Cemetery, rural Adams.