Obituary of Debra Lillian Berntson-Gutz

Debra (Deb) Lillian Berntson-Gutz, 64, Duluth, passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2018, in St. Luke's Hospital. Deb was born in Duluth on July 5, 1953, to Julien and Lillian (Perala) Berntson. She attended Cobb Elementary, Woodland Junior, and graduated from Duluth East in 1971. Deb attended the College of St Scholastica, receiving her Bachelor's degree in Education in 1992 and her Master's degree in 2000. Through the years, Deb worked as a Media Generalist at Stowe, Piedmont, Homecroft, Lowell, and Lester Park schools, retiring in June 2015. Deb married her true love, Steven Gutz on July 31, 2004. Together they enjoyed breakfasts with family at Twig/OP and dinners at the Outback, becoming good friends with the staff at both places. They traveled whenever possible and especially loved going to Colorado and Arizona. Deb loved to work in her flower garden and scrapbook with friends, but her main goal in life was to spend time with her family. She was incredibly proud of her two sons, Brandon and Alan Christensen. Deb was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian, and her sister, Karen. She is survived by her husband, Steven; sons, Brandon and Alan; father, Julien Berntson; brother, Wes (Marlene); sister, Elaine (Danny) Haglund; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Thursday, July 5, 2018, 4 - 6 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. Deb's final wish would be that you spend time with your loved ones!