The Life of ROBERT A NYGARD
Robert (also “Bob” or “Arny”) Nygard, died May 28, 2013 at age 89. Born to Carl and Bessie (Greendahl) Nygard on May 16th, 1924,he grew up in northeast (Snooseville) Des Moines and lived most of his life in the Des Moines area. In April this Iowa boy relocated to Illinois to be near his daughter. However, his health declined and he was unable to enjoy his new apartment for very long.
Bob was proud of his 100% Danish ancestry. His father left Denmark as a young man and his mother''s parents emigrated from Denmark.
He graduated from East High School and served in the Navy from 1942 -1946 during WWII. After his discharge he worked for Brown Engineering, Dico, and Armstrong Rubber – retiring in 1983. He then served as a financial guardian, volunteered at the Not New II Shop, and drove for Meals on Wheels and the Blood Center.
Bob was married to Margaret (Margo) Hansen June 14th, 1953 in Gray, IA. They enjoyed a happy marriage for 57 years until her death on August 12, 2010. They did many things together including trying to catch a few of the 1000’s of fish who live in Minnesota''s 10,000 lakes. They enjoyed traveling and Bob was in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For many years they wintered in Citrus Park, Bonita Springs, FL.
He was a 50-year Mason and a Shriner. Bob played bagpipes in the Shrine Pipe Band noting, “We weren''t very good but we had a lot of good times.” A lifelong Lutheran, he was a member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights, IA at the time of his death.
Bob is survived by his daughter Marlene (Dave) Daubert; grandchildren Erin and Nathan Daubert; sister Mary Gaunt of Marshalltown IA, and several in-laws, nieces and nephews. Funeral services willbe at Hamilton''s near Highland Memory Gardens on Monday, June 10 at 10 AM with internment following at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial gifts to Windsor Heights Lutheran Church; Zion Lutheran Church of Elgin, IL; or a charity of your choice.