Phyllis Berntson, 92, of Kulm, ND passed away April 3, 2026, at SMP Health, Ave Maria in Jamestown, ND. There will be a prayer service held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 19th at Zion Lutheran Church, Kulm. Burial will take place at Pomona Valley Cemetery, Kulm at 12:00 pm on Monday, April 20th and a memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 20th at Zion Lutheran Church.

Phyllis Ann Nelson was born on November 10, 1933, to Herman and Myrtle (Flugstad) Nelson at home in Orleans, Minnesota.  She attended school in Lancaster and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1951.  She continued her education at North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics in 1955.  Phyllis taught Home Ec. at the Edgeley and Gackle schools.

Phyllis married Lester Berntson on June 30, 1956, at Sion Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Minnesota.  They made their home on the family farm by Kulm.  They had three children; Cleo, Lowell and Neal.

Phyllis was a member of Kulm Zion Lutheran Church, where she took part in the church choir, church council, WELCA, and taught Sunday School. She was also a member of the Jolly Homemakers and a 4-H leader.  Phyllis enjoyed farming and raising animals, especially sheep.  She had many hobbies; hardanger, wheat weaving, crocheting, sewing, baking, and more.

Phyllis and Lester enjoyed their time together farming, traveling, square dancing, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.  They spent several winters in Mesa, AZ.

Phyllis and Lester moved from the farm in 1990 into their home in Kulm.  Lester died April 6, 1995.  After his passing, Phyllis purchased a motorhome and continued her travels.  Whether visiting family and friends, square dancing, or just traveling to new places, she continued a busy lifestyle.  July 2020, Phyllis transitioned from her home in Kulm to The Manor St. Joesph in Edgeley and then on to SMP Health/Ave Maria in Jamestown.

Phyllis is survived by her sons, Lowell (Carol) Berntson, Kulm ND and Neal (Marla) Berntson, Kulm ND; seven grandchildren, Sarah Berntson, Kirsten (Brandon) Tadych, April Berntson, Maren Berntson, Deann Berntson, Kara Berntson and Cole Berntson; and two great-grandchildren, Hudson and Carson Tadych.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; her parents, Herman and Myrtle; brother Hubert; and daughter, Cleo.

Please no flowers; memorials may be given to either Zion Lutheran Church or Lancaster School Endowment Fund.