Patricia O'Connell (Berntsen) of Grand Forks passed away on December 19, 2009 at the age of 67, after battling Multiple Sclerosis for almost 28 years.  Pat was born in Langdon, N.D. on March 16, 1942, the daughter of Adelaura and Thomas O'Connell.  

She received an undergraduate and a master's degree at UND.  Pat met Don Berntsen at UND and they were married on August 1, 1964.  Pat and Don raised their family in Grand Forks and were active members of the community.  Pat had worked at the UND library almost 38 years.  Pat was a huge supporter of UND and wore her UND Proud Pin every day at work. She was asst. director, and was Interim Director at Chester Fritz Library, and was an active member of the American Disabilities Act Committee, dealing with handicap facilities on campus.  She also was a supporter of the MS Society. 

She is survived by her husband, Don, two brothers, Jack and Bill, and sons, Craig of Grand Forks, and Brett of Sioux Falls. 

The funeral was in Grand Forks.   

Grand Forks Herald:  Patricia Berntsen, age 67, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully at home Saturday December 19, 2009 after battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for almost 28 years.

December 20, 2009