Douglas A. Berntson

Douglas Alfred Berntson was born December 19, 1946 in Valley City, North Dakota. He went home to Heaven on September 30, 2021.

Doug is survived by his daughters Angela (John) Cregan, Charissa (Dave) Lenz; grandchildren Brooke and Lauren Cregan, Ellis, Jude, and Savannah Lenz; brothers Delbert (Joan) Berntson, Durwin (Mary) Berntson, Dallas Berntson, Darryl (Jeanne) Berntson; sisters Vivian Nelson, Lois (Bud) Badger, Anita (Tom) Erickson, Barb (Raymond) Mewes, Olive (Howard) Rasmusson, Gail Christl; sisters-in-law Eileen Berntson, Ruby (Jeff) Klundt, Janice VanWinkle, Sally Morehouse, Penny (Randy) Gengler; brothers-in-law Duane Sortland, Cliff (Claudia) Hoyt, Jay Hoyt, Waldo (Shellee) Hoyt, Terry (Patty) Hoyt; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Berntson, parents Alfred and Helen Berntson; parents-in-law Glenn and Delores Hoyt; brothers Denton Berntson, and David Berntson; sister Ellrene Sortland; brothers-in-law Elmer Christl, Dave Nelson, and Dale Hoyt; sisters-in-law Patti Hoyt, and Paulette Berntson.

Doug was the sixth of 14 children born to Alfred and Helen (Sorenson) Berntson. Alfred was a school teacher and superintendent, and the family made their home in many various towns where Alfred taught, as well as the family farm near Valley City, ND. Doug had many stories of his childhood growing up on the farm that he often regaled his children and grandchildren with. He recently told his grandchildren about his least favorite chore - emptying the latrine - which they found wildly funny once he told them what a latrine was.

Doug was a proud veteran, having served in Vietnam. Corporal Berntson was Head Commander in the Castle Carrier Division in the Army. He often told stories of the challenges of garbling connections so the enemy would not understand what was being said. He also enjoyed telling funny stories of Vietnam such as the time they yelled fire into a crowded bathroom to get to the front of the line.

After returning from Vietnam Doug returned to college and eventually graduated from the North Dakota State School of Science.

Doug married the love of his life, Ruth Hoyt, on August 8, 1970. The couple lived in West Fargo, Harvey, Carrington and New Rockford before eventually settling in Manvel.

Their oldest daughter, Angela, was born in 1976 and Charissa followed in 1981. Doug and Ruth chose to homeschool their children. While Ruth did the majority of homeschooling of their girls, Doug always loved to help with math and science.

Doug began his career working at various television and appliance stores repairing televisions. Eventually Doug and Ruth felt called into ministry, and accepted the call to minister to the children of Northeastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). Doug and Ruth spent over 35 years teaching children and training others to teach children about Jesus through 5 Day Clubs, Good News Clubs, Camp Good News, Birthday Parties for Jesus, tent ministry, and many other CEF ministries. Many children heard about the Lord and Savior who loves them due to their teaching.

Doug retired from CEF in 2010 due to his declining health. He still continued to minister to others through his weekly prayer group that he enjoyed very much. Doug and Ruth continued to enjoy their children and grandchildren during retirement. Doug also enjoyed spending more time with his siblings during his retirement. He often looked forward to family gatherings or pizza nights with his siblings. In September of 2020 Doug said a temporary goodbye to his wife of over 50 years when Ruth went home to Heaven. In the Spring of 2021 Doug and Ruth were inducted into the North Dakota Homeschool Hall of Fame for their advocacy for homeschooling in North Dakota.

**In lieu of flowers please make donations to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northeast North Dakota or the Community Living Center at the Fargo VA.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Evangelical Free Church on Wednesday, October 6, at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

A family burial will take place at Zion Lutheran Church near Valley City, North Dakota.