Eileen (Pavlicek) Berntson was born on December 11, 1941, in Dickinson, ND, to Edward and Beatrice (Barta) Pavlicek. She spent her early years attending grade school in Minnesota and Dickinson, ND, and graduated from Dickinson Central High School in 1960.

Eileen pursued higher education with dedication and a lifelong love of learning. She earned her Standard Degree from Dickinson State College, her Bachelor’s Degree from Valley City State University, and her Master’s Degree from Northern State University. On December 19, 1965, she was united in marriage to David Berntson at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Valley City, North Dakota.

Eileen devoted 43 years to teaching, serving students in Raleigh, Jamestown, and Valley City, ND. Her commitment to education and her students was a defining part of her life and legacy. She was a member of Zion Free Lutheran Church, the Zion Ladies Aid, the Green Homemakers Club and Retired Teachers.

Family was central to Eileen’s life. She found joy in embroidering dish towels, reading, and cooking meals for family and friends. Sunday supper was a cherished tradition that brought loved ones together and reflected her generous and welcoming spirit.

Eileen is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Rebecca Berntson, and their children, Josie, Andrew, and Adon; her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Jay McAllister, and their children, Paige, Tyler, and Jason; brothers and sisters-in-law, Duane Sortland, Vivian Nelson, Lois and Bud Badger, Anita and Tom Erickson, Barbara and Raymond Mewes, Olive and Howard Rasmusson, Delbert and Joan Berntson, Gail Christl, Durwin and Mary Berntson, Dallas Berntson, and Darryl and Jeanne Berntson; along with several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Berntson; her parents, Edward and Beatrice Pavlicek; her brother, Don Pavlicek; her parents-in-law, Alfred and Helen Berntson; brothers-in-law, Elmer Christl, Denton Berntson, Dave Nelson, and Doug Berntson; sisters-in-law, Paulette Berntson, Ellrene Sortland, Ruth Berntson, and Geri Pavlicek; and multiple nephews.

Eileen will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her long and meaningful career in education, and her quiet acts of care that touched many lives.

Eileen Berntson, 84, Valley City, ND passed away at her home under the care of HIA Hospice on January 17, 2026.  The funeral service for Eileen will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 27 at Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City.  Visitation will be on Monday from 6:00-7:00 PM as well as the hour prior to the funeral service.  A prayer service will be held at the church on Monday evening at 7:00.  She will be laid to rest in the Zion Cemetery, rural Valley City in the spring.  The funeral service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with her obituary on her tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.  Traditions Funeral Services, Valley City is assisting the family with arrangements.