Melvin Nygaard
March 8, 1917 – June 19, 2009

GRENORA – Melvin E. Nygaard, 92, Tioga, formerly of Grenora; died Friday, June 19, 2009 at a Minot hospital.

Melvin was born March 8, 1917 on the Nygaard homestead in Garnet Township, Divide County, north of Alamo, the son of Evan and Maude (Lane) Nygaard.  He was raised on the family farm and attended the Garnet Township School through the 8^th grade.  Melvin helped his father with the operation of the farm.

Melvin married Alma Lerbakken June 4, 1938 in Williston.  They lived on the family farm for one year before moving to Wildrose where he worked for the WPA.  He rented, and later purchased, land in Garnet Township.  He and Pete Nygaard farmed together for a time.  Melvin purchased the family homestead from his father in 1943.

While still farming, he and Alma moved into Alamo in 1952 and worked as a part-time policeman.  Melvin placed his farming interests in the Soil Bank in 1959 and moved to Grenora where he worked full time as the Police Chief.  He retired in 1975.

Melvin helped his son-in-law, Don Sundhagen, on his farm.  He also helped his sons with their business, Nygaard’s Service Center.  He and Alma moved to an independent living center in Tioga in the fall of 2008.

Melvin was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Grenora, and a former member of Opdahl Lutheran Church, rural Alamo, and Alamo Lutheran Church.  He was a member of the ND Police Officers Association.  Melvin enjoyed bowling, driving around town, enjoying coffee with friends, spending time with his family, and especially, telling jokes.

Family:  wife of 71 years, Alma; children, Sylvan (Mila) Nygaard, Grenora; Melcolm (Ardis) Nygaard, Moorhead, MN; Alton (Cleo) Nygaard, Des Lacs; Yolanda Bittner, Center; son-in-law, Don (Rosie) Sundhagen, Tioga; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sister, Hazel Nelson, Crosby; and several nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Pam Sundhagen; son, Kevin; sons-in-law, Kevin Rosenquist and Dale Bittner; great-grandson, Kellyn Brose; sister, Luella Broe; and brothers-in-law, Bennie Nelson and Martin Broe.

Funeral:  Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Grenora

Burial:  Grenora Cemetery

Family Service:  Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the church

Visitation:  Tuesday 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

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