December 8, 2010

Barney Bertinuson

Funeral services for Barney B. Bertinuson, 90, of rural Alexander, N.D., were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, at Wilmington Lutheran Church in Arnegard, N.D. Rev. Tim Swenson officiated with Lay Pastor Diane Melbye con-celebrating. Interment took place at Timber Creek Cemetery, rural Alexander.
Barney Bayer Bertinuson was born a twin on the family farm in Patent Gate Township near Alexander, N.D., on July 11, 1920, the son of Torvald and Anna O. (Nygard) Bertinuson.  He was baptized into the Lutheran faith on Sept. 26, 1920, at Timber Creek Lutheran Church, and was confirmed Sept. 23, 1934, at Rawson Evangelical Lutheran Church. His faith was important to him and he served as Church Council President for Timber Creek Church and later at Wilmington Lutheran Church, where he also taught Sunday school.
He attended Patent Gate Elementary and Arnegard High School, graduating on May 26, 1939.
Following graduation, Barney joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in July 1939. He was stationed at Fort Mead, S.D., and Lanesboro, Minn. Upon his discharge from the CCC, he worked in the shipyards in Oakland, Calif.
On Oct. 26, 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served as a medic with Company D, 24th Medical Battalion. Barney participated in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Mindanao, Leyte, and Mindoro, and was in Japan for three weeks during the occupation of Japan. Earning the rank of Sergeant, Barney was discharged on Nov. 27, 1945. He returned home, having earned the Asian Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars and one Arrowhead, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Republic of the Philippines Presidential Unit Citation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal.
After his discharge, Barney worked at Warehouse Hardware in Minneapolis, Minn., returning to the family farm in the spring of 1946, where he made his home.  On Oct. 23, 1948, Barney married the love of his life, Debbie Carlson, in Racine, Wis.  They returned to the family farm, which they successfully operated as partners for over 60 years. To this union a daughter, Debbie, was born. She was the center of their lives, as was her family in later years.
Barney was always active in the community, church and politics. He held a variety of positions. He was a charter member of the Heritage Park in McKenzie County, District Chairman of the Democratic Party, and was a charter member of the Arnegard Lions. He also served on the Patent Gate School Board and the Patent Gate Township Board. He was a life member of the 24th Infantry Division, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The Bertinuson’s received the North Dakota Conservation Achievement Award in 1992, which was especially gratifying to Barney as he enjoyed working with trees. With an ever present twinkle in his eye, he was always ready for a good discussion on politics or the recent oil activity. He enjoyed most, time spent with his family.
Barney is survived by his wife, Debbie, of Arnegard; his daughter, Debbie (Ed) Simmons, of Fairview, Mont.; grandchildren, DeeAnn (Matt) Schnacky of Shakopee, Minn., and Daniel (Chelsea) Simmons of Fargo, N.D.; and very special great-granddaughter, Evelyn Anna Schnacky; brother, Tor Bertinuson of Bloomfield, Conn.; sister, Ruth Rolfson, of Watford City, N.D., sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bertinuson, Grass Valley, Calif., and Alida Neuman of Racine, Wis., along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Torvald and Anna Bertinuson; brothers, Ernest, Edward and Iver; and sisters, Evelyn Sanford and Theresa Johnston.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER