Bernard R. Berntson's Obituary
Bernard Raymond Berntson passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home in Muskegon, MI, on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Bernie was born on August 27, 1939, to George and Bertha (Aune) Berntson, the youngest of eight siblings. He grew up on the family homestead in Silvesta township, Walsh County, North Dakota. His storytelling of clucky hens, missing heifers, gopher shooting and picking rocks would transport you to his childhood farm days. After early education in a one-room schoolhouse, he graduated in 1957 from Oak Grove Lutheran High School and went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota (UND) in 1961 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a love for Sioux hockey. He built his career marketing GE’s electric motors over 24 years and 4 states. Following his time at GE, he moved to Wisconsin first as the Vice President for Doerr Electric and then as Vice President and General Manager at Thomas Industries before retiring in 2003. As a retiree, Bernie enjoyed volunteering as a SCORE counselor to small business owners and as a driver for the Red Cross. Bernie also served honorably in the Illinois Army National Guard for 6 years from 1962-1968.
On July 23, 1966, Bernie married Catherine Wallace, who he met on a blind date while working for GE in DeKalb, IL. She was his Christmas Queen for 57 wonderful years. In 2003 they moved to Muskegon, MI, and lived in Cathy's grandfather’s cabin on Bear Lake. Bernie loved the community of Muskegon, Bear Lake, and driving his Corvette along Scenic Drive. His greatest joys were enhancing the Cabin (often with engineering feats of genius) and playing with his grandchildren on wooded trails, the sandy shoreline, and numerous water activities. When spotted on his (mis)adventures, he was frequently seen with one of his loyal canine accomplices.
Bernie had a wonderful sense of humor and engaged friends, and especially his grandchildren, with twinkling blue eyes, a sly grin, a shoulder shrug and stories that yielded laughter and often groans. Although he was successful in many business endeavors, at heart he was always a farm boy who loved the land, hunting, and watching UND hockey. His faith was a constant in his life, and wherever the family moved, he became an active member of a local Lutheran church. Cathy and Bernie shared a community spirit and gave time and resources to the Art Museum, Boys and Girls Club, and their church. He most recently co-led the construction of a memorial at the family’s historic Christian home on the prairie, Hitterdal Lutheran Church.
Bernard will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Catherine Berntson; two sons: Eric (Gail) Berntson and Ross (Julie) Berntson; five grandchildren: Sarah, Olivia, Nathaniel, Andrew, and Benjamin; sister, Carol Haugen; and many other friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bertha Berntson; and six siblings: Bergine Westby, Lillian Clemens, Gordon Berntson, Rudy Berntson, Malvina Moe, and Luther Berntson.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will take place for Bernard at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church (711 Alice St, Whitehall, MI, 49461), with VISITATION taking place an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Bernie’s name to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49442. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
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