Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Elsbernd, 74, of Dickinson, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, at CHI St. Alexius in Dickinson, surrounded by her family. Honoring her wishes, a private entombment will be held at the Dickinson Mausoleum.
She was born on May 6, 1952, in Williston, to Dorothy (Moran) and Howard Torgeson of Ambrose. The family later moved to the family farm in Colgan.
Betty attended elementary school in Ambrose and Fortuna, then high school in Crosby, where she graduated in 1970. She attended business school in Minot before she began her career in Yellowstone Park for a season, banking and bookkeeping in Dickinson, and for many years was a childcare provider. She finished her career with the North Dakota Department Human Services, participating in Early Childhood Development programs.
Betty married her high school sweetheart, Johnney Elsbernd, on June 17, 1972, and together they raised two children, Dustin and Jessie. They enjoyed the outdoors camping and fishing throughout their marriage and in later years, spending the summer months at their cabin at Lake Sakakawea, watching rodeos in the evenings, and traveling to Colorado to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her husband Johnney of 54 years; son Dustin (Natasha); daughter Jessie (Randall) Sims; grandchildren Abigail and Lincoln Elsbernd and Penelope Robideau all of Colorado; brother Randal (Missy) Torgeson of Colgan; sister Laila (Landis) Rosenquist of Colorado; mother-in-law Harriet Elsbernd of Crosby; brothers-in-law Michael (LaVonne) Elsbernd of Fortuna, Donald (Jacquie) Elsbernd of Ennis, Montana, Phil Elsbernd, Jim (Patty) Elsbernd and Dana Elsbernd all of Crosby; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Dorothy; sister Diane Parks; sister-in-law Julie (Elsbernd) Kobel; and father-in-law Leo Elsbernd.
Memorials can be made to CHI St. Alexis Hospital ICU in Dickinson, ND.
