Elsie Berntsen

Elsie Viola Berntsen of Hermantown, MN most recently of Edgewood Vista Assisted Living, died Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 97 years of age. She was born September 7, 1915 to Swedish immigrants Edward and Hilma Sundquist. She was raised in the West End and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1935. Elsie and Walter Martin Berntsen were united in marriage on April 13, 1937. They had celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage just prior to Walter's death in 2002. Most of those years were spent in the family home on Miller Trunk Highway. While raising her family, Elsie often worked part-time cooking at local restaurants. She retired after 13 years as a cook in the Hermantown Elementary kitchen. Elsie was an exceptional cook and homemaker. She and her husband raised much of their own food and her kitchen was a busy beloved place. Elsie was a faithful regular attendee at Sunday worship at Grace Lutheran Church. She, together with her husband Walt, were very active members of Grace Seniors and were a vital part of the Advent/Christmas decorating at Grace Church sharing their handmade wreaths and garlands. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Walter, brother Carl, daughter Barbara Metz, and granddaughter Lynn Berntsen. Elsie is survived by her children: Roger (Evelyn), Dale (Nancy), of Hermantown, Cynthia(Mark)Fagerstrom of Eagan, MN, Robert(Jill)of Rosemount, MN, son-in-law, Lee Metz of Apple Valley, MN: and brother, Albert Sundquist of Hermantown. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: William, Bonnie, Todd, Tracy, Brian, Ken, Karen, David, Tara, Kari, Christoffer, and Brittany, 18 great-grandchildren; several brother and sister-in-laws; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Edgewood Vista and to Elsie's church family at Grace Lutheran for the care and support shown to her. Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church of Hermantown. Visitation noon until the 1PM Funeral service Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church, Hermantown. Entombment Sunrise Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home.