Obituary of Beverly Marie Berntson

Beverly Marie Berntson (Christianson), 74, was born on September 21, 1946, to Alfred and Evelyn Christianson in Duluth, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully at home on June 20, 2021, from Parkinson’s disease.

Growing up in Woodland, Beverly attended Cobb and Woodland schools and graduated from Duluth East in 1964.While working at Falk’s Drug store she earned an AA degree in business from UMD in 1968. Part of her UMD experience was meeting Russell Berntson, whose heart she stole and whom she married on July 20, 1968. While Bev was proud of her almost 53 years of marriage she was most proud of her sons, Timothy and David. She cherished spending time with sons as well as daughter-in-laws, Laura and Laura, and grandsons, Andrew and Wyatt.

Bev began working at the College of St. Scholastica in 1983 in the admission’s office. In 1999 she moved to the Athletic department as an administrative assistant, where she worked until she retired in 2010. In 2013, the Blue and Gold Award was established and named after Bev and her family and in 2017 Bev was inducted into the Saint’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Just as Bev enjoyed watching and cheering for her sons, she enjoyed working with the people, players, and coaches of St. Scholastica. Bev was also an avid fan and attended numerous sporting events over her 27 years at St. Scholastica. She considered the 27 years well spent.

Bev also enjoyed her years at Island Lake with family, fishing and flowers plus occasionally tubing. Other favorite activities included golfing, watching the Twins and the Vikings, bocce ball, and winters in Mesa, AZ. Friday Happy Hour in Mesa made for a fun time in recent years with the very best of friends, while travels to European countries, the western United States, Georgia, Florida, and visiting her children in Alaska and Dubai filled in the rest of her time.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Evelyn, her brother, Earl “Tubby” Christianson and nephew Kent Christianson. Beverly is survived by her husband, Russell, son Timothy (Laura), son David (Laura), and grandsons Andrew and Wyatt. She is also survived by sister, Eileen (Wayne) Gosselin, sister-in-laws, Donna Christianson and Joan (Al) Heikka, and nieces Lana, Julie, and Terri.

A special thank you to Kindred Hospice and hospice employees Deb and Dana, family friends, Jill Helmer, Ann Peterson, and Theresa Pitts, all of whom deserve hugs and kisses for all of their love and support. Beverly and her family also thank the many caring people who have been sending love, support and prayers through this difficult time.

An internment will be held at the Duluth Veteran’s Cemetery on July 27, 2021, with a service to begin at 12:00 pm at the Committal Shelter. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Bev’s name may be sent to the College of St. Scholastica Athletic Department, 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, 55811.