Luther Allen Berntson

Luther Berntson from Wayzata, MN, formerly from Steamboat Springs, CO and Adams, ND passed away on March 2, 2023, at the age of 91. Luther was born, November 24, 1931, at home in Silvesta Township near Adams, ND. He was the son of Bertha (Aune) and George Berntson. Luther received his elementary schooling in a one-room schoolhouse. His secondary education was two years at the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River, N.D. He graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran school in Fargo, N.D. in 1949. He also attended two winter short courses at North Dakota State University in Fargo, N.D. On January 29, 1960 he married Helen Gryth from Pembina, North Dakota. After his graduation from high school, he returned home to help his father with the farm operation, which included the original homestead. In 1960, Luther became the sole proprietor of the farm operation. Luther was an out-of-the-box type of thinker, being an early adapter of new equipment, farming practices, and new crops. Perhaps his greatest contribution to farming and his legacy will be his early adaption of no- till farming practices and sustainable agriculture. He was an active member of the Manitoba/North Dakota No-Till Association. The Fargo Forum referred to him as an evangelist of no-till farming. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Farmer of North Dakota 1963. In 1997 he was awarded the prestigious award as Pioneer of the Year for making a significant contribution to agriculture. In the mid-90s he made four trips to eastern Europe to help farmers with entering the market economy, no-till farming techniques and growing canola. Luther volunteered for the Army in 1956 and served his tour of duty in Alaska. While there he took up downhill skiing which became a passion for life. He introduced and instructed many of the nephews and nieces to skiing. When he retired from farming in the mid 1990's, he and Helen moved to Steamboat Springs where they enjoyed skiing for many years in their retirement. He made his last downhill ski run at 85 years young. It was important to Luther to live his faith, help others, and serve the community. He was active in many church and civic organizations. Whether it be making lefse for the church bazaar, teaching confirmation students, or organizing the Relay for Life, actions like these demonstrated Luther's kind and caring heart. He had an ability to make connections with people of all ages and backgrounds and was a mentor to many. Luther had a joy in living and will be remembered by many for his sense of humor. Luther is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen, daughters Margo (Bruce) and Kristin (Rolfe), grandchildren Rachel and Matthew, sister Carol Haugen, and brother Bernard Berntson. Luther was preceded in death by his parents George and Bertha, sisters Bergine, Lillian, and Malvina, and brothers Gordon and Rudy. Funeral services will be held at Gethsemane Lutheran church, in Hopkins, Minnesota on March 25, 2023 at 11:00 am. Inurnment will take place at Hitterdal Cemetery in rural Adams, ND this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Luther's memory are suggested for Lutheran World Relief, Bread For The World or a charity of your choice.

Tributes

Luther Allen Berntson

November 24, 1931 - March 2, 2023

Tributes

Luther Allen Berntson

November 24, 1931 - March 2, 2023

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