Curtiss Leroy Berntson was born on February 2, 1919 in the farm home northeast of Paullina to Bernt and Karina (Lura) Berntson. He was the sixth of seven children. He attended a country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Paullina High School in 1936. After graduation he remained at home to help on the family farm and as a hired man. In 1950 he began farming on his own and rented the farm he eventually purchased. He lived on this farm 60 years before moving into Paullina in 1996.

On March 29, 1941, he was united in marriage to Uneva Holck and they took up residence on a farm northeast of Paullina. To this union four children were born: Sandra, David, Gene and Eric. He became a member of the First Presbyterian Church after their marriage and served in various offices for 15 years.

He loved every aspect of farming. He was a Golden Member of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Sioux City. He was the Assessor for 10 years. He loved to travel, golf, dance, fish and camp. They were charter members of a camping club. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren. Curt passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Prairie View Home in Sanborn reaching the age of 101 years, 1 month and 1 day.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 78 years, Uneva; three sons, David of Paullina, Gene and his wife, Jane of West Des Moines, Iowa and Eric and his wife, Amy of Sioux City, Iowa; grandchildren, Mark, Brian, Michael, Alec, Megan, Sara, Emily, Bob and Jerry; great grandchildren, Amanda, Kate and Justin; one brother-in-law, Donald (Donna) Holck of LeMars, Iowa; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Curt was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandra Rentschler; three brothers, Leslie, Burdette and Glenn; three sisters, Alice Fjeld, Beulah Berntson in infancy and Ardythe Hibbing.

Eldridge Funeral Homes