Obituary: Denise Nygaard

Denise Nygaard

Alberton, Mont.

Denise Nygaard was born on October 10, 1957 in Harvey, N.D. to Dennis and Venoie Bergrud. She grew up in Sheyenne, N.D. and went to school with her four sisters and two brothers. After high school, she lived in Devils Lake for a short while before moving back home. When she was 28 and living in Williston, N.D., she met her future husband, Jon Nygaard. They got married in 1987 and moved to Alberton, Mont. in 1994 with their two children, Chelsea and Cody.

For many years, Jon and Denise worked tirelessly building their dream home. Denise put a lot of work into peeling logs, staining, chinking, and designing the interior all the while raising two young children. 

Denise was a devoted wife and mother. Her family meant everything to her. While her children were growing up, she would rise early every morning to drive them two miles down to the bus stop, rain or shine, ice or snow. She made sure dinner was on the table every night when Jon got home from work. She always put her families' needs before her own.

Her church family was important to her as well. She attended Alberton Community Church and was always involved in Bible studies, VBS, and helped in the kitchen during special occasions. She became heavily involved in Operation Christmas Child during the past several years. She loved to buy items and help pack shoeboxes with her good friends.

Denise had a great sense of humor. She was good at making people laugh, even when things weren't going well. She had a strong belief in God, which helped her get through her battle with cancer. She was filled with peace from the beginning to the end. Her only concern was that her family would also be at peace when she was gone and that they knew God would walk right beside them.

She passed away on March 8, 2022 in the comfort of her own home with her husband by her side. She is survived by: her husband, Jon, and children, Chelsea and Cody; her father, Dennis; and siblings: Deb Wetzel, Daryl (Angel) Bergrud, Val Bergrud, Doug Bergrud, Julie (Kelly) Zelfer, and Jennifer (Juice) Fischer; and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her mother, Venoie, and several other family members.

A memorial service was held at the Alberton Community Church on March 26 at 11 a.m.