Arlene Rae (Olson) Berntson, the daughter of Oliver and Esther (Kjelland) Olson, was born July 14, 1934, in Valley City, ND. Arlene grew up on the family farm near Sanborn, and always preferred to be outside with the animals. She attended country school near the farm, and later attended College High in Valley City, graduating
in 1952. She later attended and graduated from the State Teachers College in Valley City with a BS in Education. She taught school in various locations, including Minnesota, Eckelson, ND and Lisbon, ND.
On September 30, 1960, Arlene married Harland Berntson. They lived in Lisbon, ND where she taught school, and returned to the family farm in 1961 to help care for her mother. Arlene was a lifelong member of Zion Free Lutheran Church and was an active member of the Ladies Aide. Much of her time was spent raising her
five children and helping on the farm. She was strong willed and taught her children to be independent thinkers.
Arlene was a 4-H leader for many years, helping with 4-H projects, and coaching softball. She had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, keeping up with blood lines and AQHA requirements. Arlene spent many hours with her children, teaching them about proper care of horses and other animals on the farm. Throughout the years, the family spent many Sundays at various horse shows in the area. Arlene also loved following thoroughbred racing. Those who knew her knew not to disturb her if there was a horse race on!
Arlene was a proud member of the “Forget Me Not Birthday Club”. She cherished her time spent with the Birthday Club and had close friendships with the members. Afternoons at Birthday Club were some of her favorite times.
In 2017, Arlene moved to Oakes, ND. In the Spring of 2018, she moved to the Legacy Place in Valley City, where she remained until her death. She had many friends at the Legacy, and despite her vow to return to the farm, she enjoyed her time there. She enjoyed an occasional painting class, and Bingo was a favorite activity.
Arlene loved spending time with her children and grandchildren/great-grandchildren. She loved to buy “do-dads” and enjoyed a good talk on the phone.
Arlene died October 4, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND- surrounded by her family. She is survived by her five children, Marie (James) Eggert, Brian Berntson, Carol (Bill) Anderkin, Rhonda (Shannon) Day, and Steve Berntson. She leaves behind 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Cheryl Olson and Elinor Chapman; her close cousin Sharon Kronebusch; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Harland Berntson, her parents, sister Carol Olson and brother Keith Olson.
The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home is assisting Arlene’s family with arrangements. Her funeral service will be held in Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City, at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Visitation will begin that day at noon. She will be laid to rest in the Zion Free Lutheran Cemetery, rural Valley City. The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with her obituary on her tribute page at lerudmathias.com An online guestbook is available there as well.