Pete Antonson, Cynthia Berthold, and Dean Lyste received top honors in their fields, recognized May 8 at the North Dakota Long-Term Care Association’s (NDLTCA) annual convention. It is the first time three employees of Northwood Deaconess Health Center (NDHC) have been honored simultaneously for excellence in their fields.
NDHC will host a public open house in their honor from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 in the activity room. Guests are invited to use the Dakota Parlor entrance on Park Street (just south of the Swarstad Chapel).
Antonson received the Distinguished Service Award from the NDLTCA, honoring his lifetime career and leadership as a trusted advocate for long-term care.
“Pete’s influence extends beyond the local level, making him a prominent spokesperson for rural health concerns. His voice has resonated in state and federal arenas, making him an indispensable advocate for the industry,” his nomination stated. “Pete has consistently been a reliable source of valuable advice, reflecting his deep knowledge and expertise of long-term care.”
Antonson’s career with NDHC started more than 40 years ago while still in high school. He served as a bookkeeper and then CFO until he was named CEO, serving as both CEO and CFO until 2022, when he stepped down from the CEO role. He continues to serve NDHC as its CFO.
Berthold was selected by the North Dakota Environmental Services Association (NDESA) as the 2024 Best in Service Award recipient. The award recognizes exemplary service in the field of housekeeping, laundry, or maintenance. “Her longevity and commitment to (environmental services) is very apparent. She gives this job her full attention and puts our residents’ needs first,” said Facility Services Manager Eric Christiansen.
She has been with NDHC’s environmental services department for more than 40 years. “In her 42 plus years, she has rarely missed work…she is one of those employees that can’t be duplicated, though you wish you could,” says Antonson.
Lyste, who has been with NDHC nearly 16 years, was chosen Chaplain of the Year by the North Dakota Chaplains' Association. In his role, he has ministered to hundreds of residents, family members, and employees providing spiritual and emotional support.
“Dean consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty in his ministry to patients, residents and their families, whether in Bible studies, church services, or personal visits. He is a consistent source of comfort to those in need," said CEO Brock Sherva.