David L. Berntsen

WAYNE – David L. Berntsen, 66, a resident of Wayne, Maine, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his home. He was born on April 21, 1960, in Ogden, Utah, the son of Arthur Berntsen and Patricia Price.

He graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix, Ariz., where he completed four years of ROTC training. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger, Special Forces Division, as well as an Expert Marksman and Ranger Instructor, retiring after 20 years of service.

On Sept. 12, 2017, David married the love of his life, WS Olivia Davis (Wendy S. Davis), in Portland, Maine. David and Olivia made their home together in Wayne, where they enjoyed family, friends, the VFW, and the American Legion. After his military career, he worked as an IT Specialist and System Administrative Engineer. He was a member and Commander of the American Legion, George Bunten Post 10 in Livermore Falls, as well as a member of the Scarborough Fish and Game Association.

He was an avid hunter and loved riding his ATV. Deer hunting with his friends John and Jim, was an event that David looked forward to each season. David was especially excited about the bear hunting trip he took during the fall of 2025 with “uncle Tom”, and was always enthusiastic when his family and friends spent time with him at the rifle range.

David was a certified soccer referee for ages 16 and older, stemming from his enjoyment of watching his children’s soccer league play while they were in school and college. He also enjoyed woodworking in his shop, carving knives, and working on projects such as building the deck at his home. At home, David spent time playing chess, board games, and cards with his family. Each morning over coffee, David enjoyed playing Canasta, which, as many of you may imagine, he smiled broadly when winning those games. He also looked forward to the occasional evening “toddy” of Amaretto and Irish Crème with his friend Greg, where they talked about bear and moose hunting, boating, fishing, and grilling.

David loved traveling to Costa Rica, Canada, New York, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and, of course, spending time in Europe during his Army career. David also enjoyed fun road trips and loving life with everyone he knew. As anyone reading may imagine, David was a true family man, a mentor, a devoted son, a kind and loving husband, a wonderful father, a devoted grandfather, and a friend to all who knew him. David’s spirit lives on through his family, friends, and community.

David is survived by his mother, Patricia (Price) Berntsen of Phoenix, Ariz.; his loving wife, Olivia Davis of Wayne; his daughter, Robin Berntsen and husband Thomas Prohl of Freeport; his three sons, Mark Berntsen and wife Marie Ewasko of Tallahassee, Fla., Brandon Berntsen and wife Clare of Cumberland, Anthony Berntsen and wife Krystal of Raynham, Mass.; his two sisters, Stephanie Berntsen of Phoenix, Ariz., Rena Baker and husband Fred of Bremerton, Wash., his brother, Scott Berntsen and wife Cindy of Surprise, Ariz.; his eight grandchildren, Aidan, Ellis, Soren, Gunnar, Karina, Aubrey, Owen, and Benjamin; his stepson, Tylor Wickham and wife Gina; his stepdaughter, Courtney Crosby, and step-grandson Jackson; and his many cousins and close relatives. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Berntsen; his brother, Robert Berntsen, and his sister, Mary Berntsen.

A service with military honors will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 12:00 noon, at the Maine Veterans Cemetery Chapel, 163 Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls, Maine.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com.