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Berntson, 92, rural Sanborn, ND died at Mercy Hospital in Valley City, ND on March 10, 2017, while surrounded by his family and under the care of CHI Hospice. The funeral service for him will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be held at the Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5-7. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery later in the spring.
Harland Lloyd Berntson, the son of Gabriel and Nettie (Thorson) Berntson, was born December 7, 1924 on the family farm. He attended a country school near Hastings, ND and graduated from Hastings High School. Harland attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND where he learned welding. After receiving his education, Harland worked for Strinden’s in Litchville, ND for a time.
Harland enlisted in the National Guard October 2, 1950 where he served as a rifleman at Camp Rucker, AL. He was very proud of his Company G 164th Infantry Division and enjoyed many local reunions. He was a member of the Valley City AmVets Post #3. After his discharge, he returned to the family farm where he worked with his father and uncle, John Berntson.
On September 30, 1959, he married Arlene Olson. They lived in Lisbon, ND where he worked for the Chrysler Dealership. They moved to a farm near Sanborn in 1961. Harland spent many hours tinkering in his shop, perhaps to get a little quiet time away from his wife and five children. He was able to fix almost anything, but was partial to Ford pickups and International tractors. He did buy a Dodge once, which caused quite a stir. He also had a life-long love of horses and was very knowledgeable on blood lines and training. As a young man he raced quarter horses, and has many trophies to show for it. A person would have to ask to see his trophies as Harland was not one to brag. He enjoyed taking his family to many trail rides and horse shows around the area. He liked nothing better than to be out with the new colts.
Harland loved spending time with his grandchildren, and was known to tease them as all Berntsons do. He loved holding babies and was a special grandpa to all of his grandchildren. Harland was a member of Zion Free Lutheran Church of Green Township of Barnes County.
Harland is survived by his wife Arlene, Sanborn, ND; five children, Marie (Jim) Eggert, Bismarck, ND, Brian Berntson, Litchville, ND, Carol McAllister, Amelia, OH, Rhonda (Shannon) Day, Oakes, ND and Steve Berntson, Sanborn, ND; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Elinor Chapman, Valley City, ND; three nephews; and three nieces.
Harland was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Clifford and Merton and his uncle John.
Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home will be assisting the Berntson family with arrangements. Visit lerudschuldt.com to visit Harland’s tribute page.