Jean P. Altenbernd, 91, of Moorhead, MN, died on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, in Eventide, Moorhead, under the care of Ethos Hospice care. Jean was born August 18th, 1934, in Fargo, ND. She was born the oldest of six to Elmer and Hazel (Motschenbacher) Mikkelsen. She grew up on the family farm near Sabin, MN, and graduated from Moorhead High School and Moorhead State University. She worked at a law office and the Minneapolis Moline Implement in Fargo. She married Fred Altenbernd, November 24th, 1957 and began their farming career in Wilkin County, MN before building a new home closer to Sabin, MN in 1969. They were blessed with two sons John and Dan.

Jean enjoyed farm life and being a true partner with her husband as over the years their farm career went through its peaks and valleys. They purchased a lake place during the ‘80’s and worked to truly make it their own. When they retired from farming, they moved into Moorhead and began traveling and spending their winters in Florida. Jean had many hobbies that kept her busy – from crosswords, to sewing, to reading, watching movies and also being a longtime member of the Duane’s House of Pizza bowling league. Jean was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead and sewed in their quilting group.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Fred, sister Katherine, brother Bill, brothers-in-law Russ Gerdin, Conrad Gonsorowski and Anthony Theil.

She is survived by her children John (Jayne), Dan (Julie), grandchildren Jayci, Zoe and Raymond, her sisters Betty Gonsorowski, Janice Theil and Ann Gerdin, sister-in-law Barb Mikkelsen, and many nieces and nephews

The family would like to say a special thank you for all the people that made Jean laugh throughout the years. She loved a good conversation, and her wit was there right to the end.

Visitation will be Friday, April 10, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM, with funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM, in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN.