Gerald L. Nygard, 80, of Barnesville, MN, died Wednesday June 25, 2003, in his daughter's home in Moorhead.
Jerry, son of Nels and Mabel (Rolsvig) Nygard, was born May 17, 1923, near Arnegard, ND, where he attended school and grew to manhood. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941 and 1942. In 1943 he graduated from Arnegard High School. Jerry enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served in the European Theater of War as a tail gunner on a Bomber. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and moved to Washington State where he met Betty. He married Betty Winchester on July 26, 1946, in Green River Gorge, WA. The couple made their home in Tacoma, where he attended Pacific Lutheran College. In 1947, they moved to Mayville, ND, where Jerry attended Mayville State College, graduating with his teaching degree in 1950. They lived and Jerry taught in Boyd, MN, from 1950 to 1954, and Hanley Falls, MN, from 1954 to 1957. He also coached basketball and many other sports in these two school districts. In 1957 they moved to Barnesville, where Jerry began teaching at Barnesville High School. He taught business related courses, was the golf coach for many years and coached many Jr. High sports. He retired in 1986. Betty died in 1988. He continued to live in Barnesville and in 1996 he began dialysis. He spent the week with his daughter Leanne in Moorhead and the weekends in Barnesville.
Jerry was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and sang in the choir for many years. He was a member of the Barnesville Lions Club, the V.F.W. Post 4682 and the American Legion Post 153 both of Barnesville. Jerry taught Gun Safety training for many years. He was a life member of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association and was coach of the year.
Jerry loved to golf, and helped establish the Willow Creek Golf Course near Barnesville. He also enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting and all sports. He loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and their sporting events.
Jerry is survived by six daughters and two sons, Marlene (Reginald) Bach of Barnesville, Carolyn (Sheldon) Swenson of Baudette, MN, Gloria (Wayne) Emerson of Barnesville, Leanne (Morrie) Kittelson of Moorhead, Cynthia (Dale) Rollie of Barnesville, Gerald Jr. (Bonnie) of Moorhead, David (Debbie) of Moorhead and Lisa Nygard of Barnesville. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Wade (Stephanie) Bach of Rothsay, Andrea (Joel) Nasstrom of Minnetonka, MN, Mya Swenson of Fargo, Gina Swenson of Baudette, Jamie Emerson of Omaha, NE, Lindsey Emerson of Fargo, Breanna Kittelson of Moorhead, Trisha (Jeremy) Krause of Barnesville, Traci Rollie of Barnesville, Amanda and Daniel Nygard of Moorhead and Lacey Nygard of Moorhead, and one great-grandchild, Callie Krause of Barnesville.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Betty, and two grandsons.
Funeral service: Saturday, at 11:00 AM, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Barnesville.
Visitation: Friday, from 4 -- 8, with a prayer service at 7 in Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville, and two hours before at the church.
Interment: City Cemetery, Barnesville.
