Obituary: Arden Nygaard

Arden Emil Nygaard, 95, Fargo, N.D., formerly of New Rockford, was called to his heavenly home on Oct. 18, 2020.

Funeral service was Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford. Burial was held at St. John's Catholic Cemetery. Service was officiated by Fr. Reese Weber with special music by Heather Klocke. Casket bearers were Mike Nygaard, Tom Nygaard, Lyle Nygaard, Daryl Nygaard, Jonathan Nygaard and Tyler Nygaard. Military honors by Raymond B. Thorn American Legion, Post #30, New Rockford and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Arden was born April 28, 1925 in Barlow, N.D., to Emil and Anna Christine (Johanesen) Nygaard. His mother died when he was one year old, and he was raised by Tom and Hilda Gedrose. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in Guam.

He married Mary Jane Satterlund on Sept. 26, 1947 in New Rockford, where they lived and raised 12 children. He worked for Ford, Archie Campbell Construction, Great Northern Railroad and Fisher Sand and Gravel. After retirement they moved to Jamestown and to Fargo in 2005.

Family was his priority. He was a kind, gentle man who always looked at the bright side of life. His favorite pastime was building birdhouses, benches, and cedar chests in his shop at Michael's, where he resided. He remains a member of the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and a charter member of the New Rockford Eagles.

Arden is survived by his sons, Alan (Mary) Nygaard, Syracuse, Neb., Michael (Marsha) Nygaard, Fargo, N.D., Lyle (Heather) Nygaard, Gillette, Wyo., Tom (Kristen) Nygaard, Firestone, Colo., and Daryl (Angie) Nygaard, Austin, Texas, his daughters, Diane Hendrickson, Bismarck, N.D., Chris (Ray) Mering, Jamestown, N.D. and Jean (Mike) Fisher, Fargo, N.D., also 45 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jane, sons Arden Charles, Duane, Bruce, and Gary, daughter, Audrey, grandson Josh, brothers Stanley and John, and sister Anna Stedman.

Memorial preferred to St. Johns Cemetery Association, New Rockford, N.D.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home in New Rockford, N.D.