Lorna Berge

Lorna G. Berge, 90, died on January 31, 2026. Lorna Gail Gustafson Berge was born December 5th, 1935, in Linton, North Dakota to Bernard Gustav and Ruth Louise (Corell) Gustafson. The family moved to Grand Forks in 1941 when Lorna’s father took a teaching position at the University of North Dakota. Lorna attended elementary and secondary schools in Grand Forks. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1954.

Lorna enrolled at UND and graduated with a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics in 1958. With an interest in psychology, she later enrolled in a graduate course with a counseling major and received a Master of Arts degree in that program in 1994.

For several years, Lorna worked as a consultant dietitian for various nutrition programs. In 1982, she became an instructor for a UND correspondence course sponsored by the North Dakota Dietetic Association to train dietary managers in small hospitals and nursing homes. She became the director of that program in 1987 and held that position until she retired in 1999. She wrote the course and received the Pyramid Power Award from the North Dakota Dietetic Association recognizing “Innovative Nutrition Education” for the course.

On December 22, 1960, Lorna married Thomas T. Berge. They lived in Almonesson, New Jersey while Thomas was in the Navy stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Yard. They returned to Grand Forks in 1962.

Lorna had a love of music. She was introduced to the oboe which she played in groups in high school, college, the Grand Forks City Band, and Greater Grand Forks Symphony. Lorna was a life-long, passionate UND sports fan, especially following the football and hockey teams. She loved to read and belonged to several book clubs. She was an active member of P.E.O. Chapter T, Round Table, and the Grand Forks Dietetic Association. She was also an avid knitter.

Lorna’s favorite vacation place was their log cabin on Lake Bemidji. It was built in 1950 by her father-in-law and was a family treasure located by the state park.

Lorna is survived by her children Gayle (Brad) Aafedt, Erin (David) Erickson and Scott (Wendy) Berge; grandchildren, Kirsten (Darin) Baltezore, Brian (Hailey) Aafedt, Samantha (Tanner) Conley, Hannah Pender, Andrew Erickson, Valerie Erickson, Clark Erickson, Alexia (Timm) Ingle, Thomas D. Berge, Brenna Berge and four great-grandchildren, Audrey, Reid and Raelynn Conley and Leo Berge, sister-in-law Karen Berge along with nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, parents Ben and Ruth, in-laws Russell and Florance, brother Corky, sister-in-law Kay and infant son Russell B. Berge.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at 11:00 with her son-in-law, David Erickson officiating. The celebration of Lorna’s life will be held at the Amundson Funeral Home. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ben and Ruth Gustafson Continuing Education Scholarship or the Ben G. Gustafson Chemistry Scholarship through the UND Alumni Association, or the Community Violence Intervention Center. 

The family would like to thank the Parkwood/Edgewood Senior Living administration and staff for the excellent and compassionate care of our parents all these years.