Larry Nygaard

Surrounded by family and friends, and held in God's love, Larry passed into Heaven on Monday, August 4th, 2014 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg. Larry fought hard throughout the past year, and never allowed his cancer diagnosis to hold him back from living and loving his life to the fullest. In between chemo and hospital visits, Larry continued to enjoy his days, spending time with us as family and friends, volunteering at church, taking road trips in the afternoon, and most of all, loving his precious grandchild Tavi, who loved her Poppy so very much.

Larry was loved well by his wife of 44 years, Deborah (Rust) Nygaard, daughters Laura Jean Nygaard (close friend Scott) and Tracy (Nygaard) Bracey, his son-in-law Bo, and his precious grand tot, Octavia Pearl Bracey. It was important that Larry made sure he always took care of his girls. Larry loved being the oldest brother to Gary (Joanie) Nygaard, Jo Jean (Pat) Mosely, and Jeff (Linda) Nygaard. He loved his nieces and nephews, Chris and Kasey, Kristina and Patrick, Lisa, Jenny and Keenan, Ashley, Colin, and Nicole. Larry was also blessed to have a loving relationship with Deb's brother and his wife, Richard and Judy Rust, and their children, Lori and Joel. In addition there are numerous "great" nieces and nephews and cousins, who Larry proudly claimed as family.

Larry was happy to call McFarland his home and was proud to retire from the McFarland School District. Before, and during retirement, he loved to repair and fix all things broken, and always had a spare part for just about anything. He also shared his talents at McFarland Lutheran Church and Child Life Ministries, helping out whether at the last minute and over the long term, giving time and talent to the church he loved. We are so grateful to the community at McFarland Lutheran and CLM, for their help and concern, and checking in with Larry every Sunday, while he held his post at the sound board. Thank you all for your presence.

Up until his time of his death. Larry continued to look forward to time spent with his closest friends, Kip and Susie, Jeanne and Bob, and Lloyd and Sandy. Even on the hardest days, he was determined to enjoy time with his friends, and doing what he loved the most.

Preceding Larry on his journey are his mom and dad, Earl and Lorraine (Brandt) Nygaard, his niece, Stephanie Jo Mosely, and many other members of the Nygaard and Brandt families. Larry will also be remembered for giving his gentle love and support to Deb's mom Pearl, and Deb's sister Flo.

Thank you to the members of McFarland Lutheran Church and Pastors Tim and Kelli for all of their support. We also are grateful to the entire UW Carbone Cancer Center, including Drs. Toby Campbell and. Noelle LoConte, Stephanie and Sandy, and the entire nursing staff in the Chemo Care unit. And in Larry's final days gratitude to Agrace Hospice Care, home nurse Shannon, and Laura and Dr. Kingsley in Fitchburg.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 11:00 at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, with gathering and visiting beginning at 9:00 AM. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Larry's name has been established at Monona State Bank.

We loved and held you close for as long as we could, dear husband, dad, and poppy. Now rest in the arms of Jesus until we see you again.