John Noelen Berntson's Obituary
American Fork, UT – John Noelen Berntson, passed from this mortal existence, on 6 November 2011, at home, at the age of 78. He was born December 24, 1932, in Hot Springs, S.D. to Bernt and Lela Davidson Berntson. During his live he lived in South Dakota, Oregon, California and Utah.
He was the school mascot, “Johnny Barrister”, during his high school years at John Marshall High in Los Angeles, California. Prior to his marriage he was a square dancer with the Bachelor and Bachelorettes.
He was employed by Lockheed Martin Aircraft Company for 40 years and retired when the plane they were working on when he began, was put on a pedestal in front of the company.
He met and fell in love with Nancy Upton Cravey and her two daughters on a blind date. They were married the following year on 5 Jun 1971. He then adopted his daughters, Janette and Sherry and with his wife had two sons, Craig and Mark to round out his family. Their marriage was solemnized for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple 17 Feb 1973. He had a great sense of humor and loved to share with those around him.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
He enjoyed antique cars and restored one that was his same age. He loved working on his 1932 B Coupe “The Little Deuce Coupe”. He loved county music and used to say if it wasn’t country it wasn’t music.
John was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. He served his mission with his beloved wife after retirement for 18 months in the Lancaster, California CES Program.
John is survived by his loving and devoted wife Nancy of 40 years; four children Janette (Terry) Harvey of Gaffney, SC., Sherry (Jeff) Morrell of Rochester Hills, MI, Craig (Annie) Berntson of American Fork, UT and Mark (Sabra) Berntson of Provo, UT; 20 grandchildren; Scotty, Michael, Hope, Faith, and Zoie Hammett; Kathy, Gabriel and Johnathan Harvey; Mahalee, and Kertlyn Berntson, Nathanial, Brooklynn, and Rabekah Morrell; Kylee and Hayley Susov, Talitha, Triston and Abrea Berntson; Joseph Berntson, and a great grandson Caleb Hammett; one sister Bernice (Charlie) Manley of Salem, OR.
He fought the good fight and can now rest with his family that went before him. John was preceded in death by his parents, Bernt and Lela Berntson; his brothers Warden and Orville Berntson and his sister June Benson. He will be missed and cherished by all who knew and loved him. “Till we meet again!”
Funeral services will be held 9 November, at Hillcrest 4th Ward LDS Chapel, at 694 N 350 W, American Fork, UT 84003. The family will receive friends and family from 9:45 to 10:45am prior to services at 11am in the chapel.
Special thanks are given to the many people that helped with his care over the past few months, especially his Hospice nurse, Jody Dustin and aide Zack. In loving memory of John, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to (first time temple attendance).
Friends and family are invited to share condolences online at bigjohnberntson.blogspot.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Premier Funeral Services with Interment at American Fork Cemetery.
We little knew that morning God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same. God saw you getting weary, He did what He thought best, He put his arms around you, And whispered come and rest.
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