-,nJl
Sigurd Nygoord
Slgurd Olol Nygoord died Novembet 13,19i2
in Murov. lJfoh.
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Sigurd Olaf Nygaard
Born
Passed Away
November 13,1992
Stravanger, Norway Salt Lake City, Utah
April 30,
1904
Son of Johann Olai Nygaard
and Julie Marie Johannesen
Husband of Dagmar Sofia Andersen
Funeral Services
Monday, November 16,1992 -
ond Henrv lcroce
l f il'14
n
Pallbearers
R. Jackson Nygaard David Beckstead
Martin Nygaard Mark Durham
Kurt Nygaard Robert Bontempo
Mark Davis
Interment
'..'".#d"
N
1ll{5
Lawn
t
t
F
12:00 Noon
.@
MacKay Cottonwood Mornrary
4670 Highland Drive, Salt Lake Ciry, Utah
satch
Ann)
Nvooord: nine orondchildren: 26 qreot'gtond'
ctiildren. Preceded in deolh by dou-ghler, Eslher
tvlo lwqoord: ond tive $sters.
t'{qvii}l be missed greotly by his loving grcndchildren onC qreot-orondchildren.
Funerol services will be neld Mondoy liov. 16,
\992, 12 noon, ol the Cotlonwooct Motluory
Chooel. 4670 South Hiohlond Dlive, whele
frienbs moy coll from 67-p.m. Sundoy evening
ond one hout prior lo service on Mondoy.
lntomenl, Wosolch te*n Cemelery.
Funerol directors. Cotlonwood Morluory.
Memorial Services
Conducting
...,...Bishop Einar
Family P4ayer ...........;:....
R.
Hall
Jackson Ny gaard
Music
Invocation
.... Louise Nygaard
Mark Davis
Speaker ................ J ani D av is, G randaug hter
Flute & Piano Duet .Kurt & Monika l,{ygaard
Speaker
..... Richard Ny_gaard, Son
Song ......... ........... M artin Ny g aard, G randso n
Remarks
Bishop Einar Hall
Benediction............... Mark Durham
Prelude
Postlude
Music
..Monika Nygaard
Dedication of the Grave
David Beclcstead
Funeral Directors
Mackay Cottonwodd Mornrary
Salt Lake City, Utah
SIGURD OTAF IIYGAARD
FUIIERAL SERVICES
l{ovember
R.
16,
1992
FAI,IILY PRAYER
Jackson l{ygaard
Our Father which art in Heaven we gather together as the family of Sigurd
Nygaard at this occasion. l{e are filled with gratitude this day for the
opportunity we have had of being a part of his family, of knowing him as the fine
man that he is. l{e are grateful for having been under his influence in this
mortal life and we are grateful for the many things which he has taught us. His
giving and light hearted way which he has about him. Dear Father we will miss
him as he has moved on. But we pray that Thou would be with us, bless us with
strength and courage that we will move forward in our mortal life striving to
do what is right and serve Thee, that we will be able to see those people in need
and help them. l{e pray for Thy blessings to be with us at this service and
throughout this day that we will all be filled with the spirit of hope and
gratitude; that we will over come discouragement or fear which we may have. l{e
ask for these blessings now and we do so in the name of our Lord and our Savior
Jesus
Christ, Amen.
<><><>
(PEIIIIIG
PRAYER
llark Davis
Our Father in Heaven we gather today to pay our respects for our friend,
grandfather, and father. l{e are grateful for grandpa,s lif,e. For all that he has
done for us, the sweet memories we have. tle are grateful that we now can pay
our respects to him on this day. Ue have taken time to reminisce and to think
of him. t|e pray that we may continue to do this that our lives will be better
for knowing him, and for being with him. tle pray for a special blessing upon the
family and. that comfort will be given to us today that we may know of his
continuing existence with Thee. l{e pray for those who have been assigned to
speak and to render us comfort that they will be able to say those things and
will give us that comfort. And know of Grandpa's love for us. This we pray for
now in the atoning name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I
COIDUCTII{G
Bishop Einar Hall
Sigurd 0laf Nygaard, died November l3th, 1992 in I'lurray, Utah. Born April
1904 in Stravanger, l{orway to Johan and Julie Nygaard. He married Dagmar
sofia Andersen April 21, 1928 in salt Lake city, Utah. He was a general
contractor and carpenter, building many homes in the Salt Lake Valley with all
of the home owners being very satisfied
30,
is
survived by his wife; and two sons, Richard (Ellen) Nygaard; and
Henry (Grace Ann) Nygaard; nine grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren. Preceded
in death by daughter, Esther Ly'la Nygaard; and five sisters.
He
Funeral services will be held Monday l{ovember 16, lgg2, 12 noon, at the
ilortuary Chapel, 467A South Highland Drive, where friends may call
from 6-7 p.m. Sunday evening and one hour prior to service on l,londay. Interment,
l{asatch Lawn Cemetery.
Cottonwood
family prayer offered previously by Jackie Nygaard. And the prelude
was offered by Louise Nygaard.
The
lle witl first hear from a speaker, Jane Davis, a granddaughter. She will
be followed by a flute and piano duet by Kurt and I'lonika Nygaard. Then Richard
Nygaard, the son, will be a speaker and then a song to be rendered by lilartin
Nygaard, a grandson. tle will precede to that point.
<><><>
.
SPEAGR
Jane Davis
Our Grandfather was a carpenter, a builder, but he built far more than just
houses. He, along with our Grandma, built a strong sense of love and family into
each of their children and grandchildren.
speaking with my cousins these past few days, we all had very similar
experiences and learned very similar lessons from Grandpa. He stood for kindness,
security, happiness, peace and family.
In
of
Rosalie made the comment, "He was just always there." And he was,
for all
us.
Ann was once sleeping at a friends while our parents were away. After a
day, things were not working out. Nine year old Ann was unhappy. She remembers
riding her bike and thinking she could call Grandma and Grandpa and then Grandpa
would come and everything would be all right. And so Ann did call and Grandpa
did come and all was well.
Julie made me smile when she said she always renenbers Grandpa in a plaid
flannel shirt, button up sweater with his undershirt showing a little. Her memory
triggered mine of as a little girl 'loving to take naps with Grandpa and lying
on top of his round belly and going up and down and giggling when he drifted off
to sleep and started to snore. I also thought of Satin, Grandma and Grandpa's
black spaniel and of Grandpa's ulcers and "TUl,lS."
l,{artin, Kurt, Jackie, Shelley and Rosal ie always visited Grandma and
Grandpa on Sunday evening. The call would go out, "tle're going to Grandma's,"
and everyone came, even when they were teenagers
Martin
"60 lrlinutes" on those Sunday evening visits.
Often heated conversation would erupt over politics, world affairs or domestic
problems. Grandma always had strong views, and she dxpressed them with Grandpa
quietly sitting close by listening. "Grandma's right," he'd say, "Just let her
get it out of her system." Grandpa loved Grandma. He was a peacemaker.
remembers watching
Jackie remembeied that Grandpa was always happy. He had a subtle sense of
humor. Once Grandpa sat outside watching Jackie mow the lawn. When Jackie
finished, Jackie said, "Grandpa, Jou sure have a lot of ground cover in your
lawn." Grandpa's quick responsewas, "l{ell, that wayyou don't have somuch grass
to mow.
rr
As Grandpa aged he had.a hard time remembering things. After he couldn,t
drive anymore, Grandma and Grandpa sold their old white Ford to Kurt and Monika.
Kurt chuckled when he told me that for several years they drove that old Ford
up to the "Farn" for our July reunion and Grandpa's response would always be the
same when he would notice the Ford, "How the hell did my car get up here?i'
Shqlley believes she got her appreciation for elderly people from Grandma
and Grandpa. tlhen she'd sleep over they would always visit Leif Andersen or
Gertrude who was blind or Grandma's sister, Aunt Esther.
l
Gretchen fondly remembered how Grandpa loved the great-grandchildren. He/d
always tease Natalie and Erin with "And how are my pretty
boys today?',
He always knew he would arouse the indignant response from Natalie, "l{e are NOT
boys, Grandpa.u All the great grandchildren knew theywere we'lcome on Grandpa,s
lap and they like
there. Rosalie's boys, Trent and Ryan, always laughed when
Grandpa would try and get.their noses
little
it
l{e all knew how he loved family. He was most happy with all of us there.
And u{e were always there, ?t Christmas Eve, Easter and for birthdays,
anniversaries and at the "Farm" in 0akley, Utah for the 24th of July and 4ttr of
July. l{e never parted without uI love you" being exchanged and Grandpa's
additional, quiet and predictable response, "Come again soon to see us." tle all
knew he meant it because our tender Grandpa's eyes always brinrned with tears.
llhat a lovely example of love and devotion Grandma and Grandpa set for us
over the years. They were always together. l{e knew they loved each other because
of the way they served each other, especially these last few years. Grandpa
depended on Grandma and she never let him down. Grandpa would call out, "lrlom?',
and she would respond quickly, "I'm right here, sigurd," She'd bring him coffee,
his dinner and hold his hand. Thank you Grandma for teaching us all about love
and
sacrifice.
all
The grandchildren who lived close enough were
able to visit Grandpa
in the hospital last week. One of the,last things he said was, love ilanma."
That was a difficult time but again Grandpa taught us how he loved family. He
was not able to cormunicate with us but when we held his hand, he quieted. He
was comforted knowing his family was close by. He was especially more peaceful
when Grandma was there. I'ly children have that memory, though a difficult one,
of a sick Grandpa being comforted by the hunan touch
l,ly parents, Henry and Grace Ann Nygaard,
"I
left to serve a mission in Nauvoo
last April. They left being very much aware of their aging parents. Let me
express their gratitude and all of ours at this time to Uncle Richard. He has
been. so good. He and Aunt
love them
So
that
E]len have shouldered a heavy load. Ue thank them. ble
Dad and Mom'could be
tribute to tris father that
a part of these services,
I would like to share.
Dad has
written
a
"[ly Father was a'lways a very quiet man who deferred to l,lother. As a young
boy, I remember that most of the discipline was meted out py l,lother. Dad would
always agree with ltlother in discipline matters.
!
llhen I was about 5 or 6 years; we lived near 8th ltest and 3rd South in a
$11.00 a month renta'l unit. Dad was only earning $e.00 a day. He had purchased
a baseball for me. He told me as he gave me the ball that I must not throw the
ball in the front yard and try to throw the ball over the front of the roof
because there was a big bay window in the front. I was to throw "hi-ante-hiover" only over the sides of the house. I irmediately went outside, to the front,
and threw.the ball right through the frgnt window. It landed at his feet by his
rocking chair in the living room where he was sitting. It was the only spanking
he ever gave ne.
lle did not have very much money during the depression. One Christmas
morning, we received very littie. I recall some hand knit socks, an orange and
maybe a little more. l{hen Dad saw how much other children received, he cried.
I remember telling Dad, uI don't believe in Santa because he wouldn't give
everything to some people and nothing to others."
t{ext Christmas and every year after we had a BIG Christmas. }le got sleds
and scooters and a red wagon. He wanted to make Christmas special.
During ltorld llar II, Mon and Dad bought a 1932 Plymouth. l{e had that car
1945. To celebrate the end of the war we all got into our '32 plymouth to
go down town. At a stop light a man in another car yelled out, "lrlister, I'll bet
you're glad the war's over. l{ow you can get a new car."
until
Dad bought
a car in 1946, a
to put all of his saws, nails,
neyr
Ford
hamners and
for $900. The first thing Dad did was
tools in the back seat. It infuriated
Mother. "tlhy"didn't you buy a truck?" she said.
Dad always appreciated what a hard worker Richard was. He'd always say,
"Henry, you better get an education, you'll never make a living as a carpenter."
"If you'd work as hard as you talk, I'd be rich.o ult's not so bad that you talk
as much as you keep others from getting their work done,,too."
Dad was always glad for Richard's help. He was especially grateful when
Richard came to work with him and help with his business. really did appreciate
the way Ric.hard would work with Dad.
I
Dad always
trusted I'lother with
aIl of the money. l,lom was frugal.
Dad would
all of his pay. She'd give him a little back and the rest would go in
the bank for bills and savings. He always knew it was ilpm's frugality that
give her
allowed him
to later purchase land, build and go out on his own.
very religious. He always supported Richard, Esther and me.
l{hen Richard was 12, he went to a Baptist youth group "stand up for Christ."
During the meeting the minister said, "Come forward and be saved." Richard went
up the aisle. He didn't know that by going forward he was saying he wanted to
be baptized. The minister showed up on the front porch ,later that week wanting
to set l,lom and Dad a baptismal date. Richard said he wasn't so sure and Mom said
they'd stand by what Richard wanted. This angered the minister who then said,
"You're all sinners. Your sins are'like dirty rags.u I'll never forget quiet Dad
rising fron his rocker at the sound of those words and verbally throwing ttrat
minister off the porch. Though he didn't go to'church, he lived a ri.ghteous life
every day!
Dad was never
l,le never had much money, but we always camped. l{e never had money for
sleeping bags so we'd pile all the blankets in back of the car and head up
l{illcreek or Lamb's Canyon. One day we were fishing in the stream and we didn't
have any luck. l{hiIe we were telling Dad we weren't catching anything, he looked
down in the stream. He quickly reached his hand down into the stream and flipped
a fish out onto the ground. He said, "It's easy to fish. You don't even need a
pole." I never could understand how he did that.
l{e loved Sunday outings. Dad was a part of the Utah Ski Association with
Pete Ecker and AIf Engin. Dad measured world class ski jumpers as they jumpeti
at
Ecker
HiIl.
I
remember Dad taking citizenship classes at llest High. In 1973 Judge
Tellman Johnson presented Dad with his United States Citizenship. That was a
proud day for Dad and for
of us
all
Dad loved America. I was a student body officer at the U of U. once took
Dad to a football game. As the band played the "star Spangled Banner" tears came
to his eyes. He loved his l{orway but he loved America. He never missed a chance
I
to
vote.
very intelligent. He was especially good in l,lath. All of the high
school math students would gather around our kitchen table to have Mr. Nygaard
help them with their math. He'd say, "This is the way we did it in Norway. I,m
not sure it's how you do it in America." His answers were always right.
Dad was
Education was very important to l,lom and Dad. They always provided us with
books, magazines and good music. They were proud Esther, fiichard and got our
degrees.
I
Dad stood for honesty. In the early '80's, one Christmas Eve, Dad got a
call. He came back laughing and chuckling to himself. l{e all wonderedwhat
the call was about. "That t.las a lady I built a house for in 1932. The handle on
her toilet was broken and she wants the original contractor to fix it." He set
phone
an appointment and he
I
loved
attribute Dad's long
to fish
because
I
fixed it.
and
to sit
of my Father's
life to the purchase of the "Farm" in 0akley. He
under the cottonwood
trees.
I
love the out of doors
example.
love to garden because of my Father.
I
love my Father and lrlother. lrly Father taught me wonderful lessons. I
couldn't have asked for a better Dad."
George Herbert
said,
"One
father (and let
me add
Grandfather) is worth nore
than a hundred school masters."
tle are thankful for the wonderful builder our Grandpa has been. He built
in each of us the importance of integrity, enjoyment of life, love of country,
love and devotion to family and friends. His quiet gentle influence will continue
to be a force for good in the lives of his posterity.
lle wi:ll niss him.
lle are grateful for the knowledge that
we
will
be with hin again.
l{e love our Grandpa. l{e love you grandna
I
say these things
in the name of
Jesus
Christ,
& PIATO IX'ET
Kurt and l,lonika llygaard
FLUTE
Amen.
SPEAIGR
Richard l{ygaard
Kurt, I know Grandpa would sure have liked that. He wasn't the
greatest lover of music. He didn't show reaction to music like some of us, but
any time it was any Scandinavian music, boy, he just ate it up. Tunes like that
really would have made him feel good.
Thank you
I feel a tittle bit better now about speaking after Jane's remarks and this
report from Henry too. Henry has always been the spokesman of the family'. I
wouldn't have been up here,
I'd like
I know, if
he'd been here. But
to make to add to what has been said.
I
do have some remarks
relations in our families all our lives. lle owe it to a great
Father and l{other. (I don't know if my glasses make this better or worse.)
lJe had good
I'ly Father came to this country in the early 20's. He was about 19 years
He first went to Ohio. He had some friends there, and they invited him to
come. I guess he didn't like it there -- he didn't stay very long. He then went
to l{yoming. He had some missionary friends over in Norway that told him that
would be the place to go. Some of them were still living in that area. It was
always nice to listen to Dad talk about his times in lJyoming. He talked about
how he used to milk a lot of cows in the morning and go out on deliveries. He
delivered nilk all day. His work was pretty difficult up there. I guess he stayed
there about three years. l{hen I saw this movie Fiddler on the roof, the first
thing I thought about was Dad and his delivering milk just as Tevea did.
old.
after being up there he came to Salt Lake. I gueqs he wasn,t
getting the social life he needed, and he had a lot of Norwegian friends here
in Salt Lake. In those days the l{orwegians really stuck together, and they had
some great times -- especially on Saturday evenings. They used to get together
and have Scandinavian dances. And I think that's where he rnet his wife to be,
A few years
Dagmar.
They went together for a short tine, and they married. Grandma told me
their early life there. They had kind of a struggle for a while when they first
got married.. l{e're used to having big weddings and such. Grandma said, ,'l{e got
married in the Salt Lake City and County building." After, they had a litile
wedding reception in the kitchen of their rental house. They said, ',it wasn,t
much but, boy, we sure had a good time."
Shortly after they were married Dad got into the carpentry work and right
from the beginning he loved carpentry. He had a good reputation and worked pretty
steady until the depression hit. They never did seem to suffer much during the
depression. Us kids, all that we could remember is that we just loved being at
home. There was always just a good feeling at being home. l{e never did seem to
want to run around. All I ever wanted was to be right there with Mom and Dad.
About 1937 Dad came home and said he bought a lot down in the country. l{e
used to live right there in the middle of town. He bought this lot out on Gregson
Avenue and second east. l{e thought we were way out in the sticks, but'he
irrnediately put a garage on the lot and we moved right in there, and'in his spare
time he managed to build that new house for us within a year. He did most of the
work himself and at that time they didn't even have skill saws and power
equipment. He did the hand sawing and put it all together. It was a wood shingle
house. He put all the wood shingles on himself. l{e certainly did enjoy living
there on Gregson Avenue.
The thing I remember most was that he just really loved gardening. I don't
know where.he got
from, whether from just being up on that dairy farm or
picked
he
a lot of up in Norway. But, boy, did he ever want to plant a garden.
year we were there, he was out there digging up that yard,
The
was a
big yard. He did
hand dug, dug
with a regular shovel. t{e had enough
first
it
it
it all,
if
it
it
vegetables off that garden to last us the whole year. Every year all the way
through high school we had that garden. lle stored all the potatoes and carrots
and they would last us through the winter. l{hen we came home every night we'd
help him in the garden and I even got so that I enjoyed going out there every
spring and digging up that pack yard. lle still, all the years through high
school, iust did it with a shovel. It was good soil and productive and we never
lacked for food. Especially in the sunmer. The corn crop is what we enjoyed the
most. That was our whole meal when the corn was on. l{e ate corn. I never thought
of eating meat or vegetables of any other kind.
llhile I was in high school Dad started contfacting on his own right after
the war was over and he wanted us boys to help. So every sumNner from the time
I was fifteen years old I got to help Dad in the building. One thing about Dad,
I think he was about as good a teacher when it came to teaching people how to
work as anybody ever was. He didn't harass or anything like that. He'd sit down
with you .and give you instructions of what he expected and show you manually how
it ought to be done and let you go at it. If the end product was o.k. he
comnended you for it, and if it wasn't you did it over again. He expected a good
days work out of everyone working for him, but he always jet you know that he
appreciated what you did.
after I spent four years in the llavy and came back in the summer while
I was going to college I worked for him. I could tell after I finished college
and took a iob in the accountihg training program. llhen I left to go to San
Francisco, I think it was the first time I ever saw tears in his eyes. I never
did feel too good about going to work like that but after about six months
working in that program I just wasn't too happy. Dad had written to me and said,
"well I'm pretty busy and could sure use your help." He didn't have to ask twice.
I was back there after that short period and worked with Dad for the next ten
years. I have never had any time in ny life that I've enjoyed more than work'ing
with him. Even though I had a college degree in business, he taught me more of
business than any college professor ever did. I found that in business profit
wasn't the main thing, you need to make money, but the relationships you build
with other people is what counts. To this day I visit a lot of businesses getting
materials, having sub contractors, dealing with individuals who want work to be
done, and I meet a lot of people who still remember Dad and had business dealings
with him. They all tell me that he is probably the most honest and fairest person
that they've ever had business with. He didn't make a lot of money but he had
friends that I run across every once in a while that always have something good
to say about him. I just admire him for the good life which he led and being fair
to other people and instilling in me and the rest of our family these same
characteristics. I hope that all of us will remernber the things which he has
done for us in this respect.
Even
I
don't want to take to much more time. I've said a lot abo0t my Dad but
I want to point out that nry l-lother and Father lived a simple life. They just
enjoyed being together. tle could sit around the radio when we were younger or
sit around the kitchen table and talk and discuss politics. That was always an
interesting time with Henry and my mother. They got into all the arguments and
kept things alive. But we did enioy being home all the time and listening to all
the old radio programs: Fibber lrlcaee and l,lolly, Jack Benny, Amos and Andy, andthings like that. l,ly folks just weren't the kind that wanted to go out and
entertain. They got that enioyment at home and right up to the end they just
wanted to be home. They had their times when they'd go to the Norwegian dances
on Saturday nights, but that was their entertainnent. Boy, they rea'lly enjoyed
life. In their later years after they got television and the Grandkids came
along, they real'ly enjoyed being at honre watching a few T.V. shows or just
'looking forward to
the grandkids coming out. So it's just these simple things
in life that make it all worth while, I feel, and I just feel like they're the
perfect examples of showing us what life is really all about. l{e don't need all
this connercial entertainment and recreation. If you'd iust instill in your
family this kind of love everything is going to work out fine
I
have to say that they
They never abused that. They
still
enjoyed a
trip to tlendover once in a while.
if
fifty
needed to get away and
they lost
dollars that wasn't going to hurt them.. They never did get involved in any big
time gambling. They played the nickel or dollar machine for a
bit until
they lost
or a hundred and that was
0nce in a,while they'd even win,
so we can't feel to bad about that.
iust
fifty
v
v
it.
little
I
iust feel that we've had the best of life with Grandma and Grandpa and
with Grandpa, if he can enjoy the peace and serenity that he has now as he did
in this life, everything will be worth while. I pray that we'll all be able to
enjoy our lives and follow the examples such as my lrlother and Father.
all will be well with all of us.
I
say
this in
Jesus name,
Amen.
N'SICAL ilUAER
lhrtin lgrgaard
'Ple Jesu'
Pie Jesu, Qui
tollis
peccata mundi
donna eis requiem
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi
donna eis requiem, sempiternam
Merciful Jesus, who takest away the sins
of the world, grant them rest.
0 Lamb of God, who takest away the sins
of the world
Grant them eternal rest.
I know that
REII'WKS
Bishop Einar Hall
llinston Churchill stated, "It starts with a young man falling in love with
a young gir'|". I think that's happened with everyone in this room that's married.
I too was born and raised during the depression so I know a lot of conmon things
that I share with Richard, with the Nygaard's. I was born also with a Norwegian
mother. I love her very dearly.
Arnold Lasko stated that "The best thing to spend on children is your
time'i. During the depression years that's what Sigurd and Dagmar did. They spent
their time with their children, which is very, very important and that's the
greatest thing they can do. Because at that time they taught them a lot of
wonderful christian virtues which their children, grand-children, great grandchildren hold dear today.
I
I
grew up with Ellen. can
known Richard from many, many years.
remember one of the business ventures he had. He contracted with Brother Silver
of our ward. And Brother Silver told me that Richard was one of the most honest
persons he's ever dealt with. He built an office building for him down on 39th
south. He said the building was completed and Richard came up to him and gave
him some money back because he
he could only get a fair profit and not an
profit.
He said that's the only time in his
extravagant
that a contractor
ever gave him money back in a venture. So you can see that this famtly has really
been endowed with many Christian virtues. know that Henry and Grace Ann would
just love to be here this day, but because of Christian values and the teachings
ip the home they are happy where they are and know you're very grateful that
they're serving the Lord, Jesus Christ at this time.
I've
felt
life
I
I
is a blessing,
it
releases us frorn pains and the anxieties of this
world. George Albert Smith stated, "It would be tragic if a man when he grew old
were to be conrpel'led to remain distressed and helpless in mortality, continuing
on and on without the ability to enjoy life here. And so the Lord has decreed
that we all come into the world the same way. Our time here being limited. lle
all have the opportunities to enjoy happiness in mortality. then if we have been
wise we pass on prepared for eternal happiness".
Death
The Prophet Joseph Smith stated this, "That the spiritually just are
exalted to a greater and more glorious work, hence they are blessed in their
departure to the world of spirits and developed in a flaming fire. And are not
forgotten us and know and understand our faults, feelings, enotions, love and
pain we carry with us". Today, Dagmar, I want you to know that I know that Sigurd
is happy where he is today. He is with his parents and he is with those he loves
dearly. So it's important for the grandchildren to also strive to live Christ
like. As Sigurd and Dagmar have done.
that Christ
was crucified upon a cross and that He died, His
spirit leaving His body. And on the third day, resurected, His spirit and body
reuniting as a resurrected being. And in this pattern everyman, woman and child
t{e believe
that ever lived shall come forth from the grave as resuruected beings. Christ
said, 'iI am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though'he
were dead, J€t shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall
never die." To us death is not a conclusion to the book of life but rather it
is a continuing chapter of a story without an end.
It is held by many philosophers that the greatest pleasure in life is to
bring anticipation and recollection of a great and happy moment. Not a moment
itself when it is actually happening. As I know that you, Dagmar, and your family
have many choice and wonderful experiences and memorieS which you have had with
your wonderful husband, and these can never be taken from you. just want to
bear my testimony to you that know that God lives. know that he hears and
answers prayers. And as a bishop in the Church 0f Jesus Christ 0f Latter-day
Saints, bless you at this time that you might find that peace, that comfort
and that solace that you need at this time. That your children, grandchildren,
great grandchildren that they
continue to rally around and support you.
And give you the love which you need at this time in your
I -want to bear
that testimony to you. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
I
I
I
I
will
will
life.
follows, the postlude nusic will be offered by
l.lonika Nygaard, the benediction wi 1l be offered by l*lark Durham. And the
dedication of the Grave will be offered by David Beckstead.
Our service
now go as
In behalf of the family at this time I'd like to thank everyone for their
floral offerings and the many kindnesses and tributes that you've offered at this
time. Now at this time the family has asked that Elder l,lerlin Libbert take a few
monents to address us. I failed to recognize him at the cormencement of this
service
REilARt(s
Elder t{erlin Libbert
I'm honored, Sister Nygaard and Nygaard family, to be here and pay honor
to this wonderful family that you've established in this land. You came here as
a young woman, found this wonderful conpanion, and you,have built a wonderful
solid family that will stretch out for eternities and beyond. I have great
admiration for you. I have a little understanding of what it meant to leave a
country where you spoke the language and knew the customs and come to a strange
land. lrly great grandmother came from Christiania, that was what we call now
Oslo. She walked across the plains from l{inter Quarters, got to this land and
met her husband who was a Danishman. So I have got a little Danish blood in ne
and a little Norwegian and I've always been proud of that.
This last weekend I was in a situation where I had a discussion with a man
who is doing a great deal of work with children who are on drugs or have other
wise decided on a proliferic life. His study showed that in 1930, 98% of our
families consisted of a mother in the home and a father working. And both working
with the family together. Today that figure is 4%. In 60 years there has never
been in history a disintegration of the family unit as in these past years. And
our difficulties that we're experiencing in our country are a result prinnrily
of a break down in the home. And your home has demonstrated what a solid loving
home is. You have raised a family of children that are full of integrity, full
of love, who are loyal to each other in the things that they aspire. So Henry
today with Grace Ann are in l{auvoo teaching people the things that-they believe
are true and that are true. And Richard is here. You have supported these boys
and their sister even though they have joined a religion that was not your own"
But you sav.r a goodness in them and they have magnified the wonderful things that
are in your home in their own lives and in their homes. l{hat a wonderful thing
that we have seen here in tribute to you. Ue've seen this musical talent, we've
seen these wonderful expressions of love to you and your beloved, Sigurd.
a carpenter and how fitting to see that beautiful wooden coffin.
It is a piece of art and I'm certain that you wish that to reflect your love
for him. And his appreciation for fine wood workmanship. And so I see that
quality of life reflected even in this solemn moment.
He was
I'd just like to say a word or two about your two boys that I knew. I went
to law school with Henry. He joined our church when he was in law school. He's
always been a wonderful loyal friend. I see another, others here today, Vern
Romney, one of his close friends. Those friendships have
Slways lasted and he
has the quality of life that you taught him. The savior said, "By the fruit ye
know them." l{e know you because of the lives of your children and the
grandkids. And their quality all the way. |that a wonderful tribute they pay to
you everyday they live. Henry has been a wonderful friend. was serving as a
stake president when he was called as a bishop and saw him render out of his
whole heart service and love to others. Even though
was not easy because of
Grace Ann's difficu'lties. But she served to the extent she could and she is now.
is, wonderful to see and learn that she is doing so well.
shall
I
I
it
It
Now Richard, we think of something a little special of him. l{e share some
grandchildren. These wonderful boys and young ladies that he has raised reflect
the quality of his life and what I have learned of his father, here.is a man that
has put those same principles, who has the same integrity in his heart. He is
as the Savior said of Nathanial, "A man without guile." You could boil Richard
right down to nothing and you'd never find any guile or any bitterness or any
hatred in him. He's hard on himself and easy on others. And I know that the Lord
loves him for that. And I know that he got those qualities from his father and
loving mother. Now we just asked Heavenly Father to be with you and to be tender
with you and be mindful of you and let these memories that you have of this
wonderful companion sustain you in this time of difficulties and trials. This
family will be with you and they will love you and they will uphold you, and
there isn't a one of them you have to apologize for one thing. It's a marvelous,
marvelous record. And so I think you can't really tell whether your life is
successful until you look at the grandchildren and see how they're doing. And
I think you've past that standard very high
I
I ask Heavenly Father to bless you and be with you. I know that he lives.
that the Savior lives.
all
He has prepared a plan where by we can
live
again and have our own bodies and not have them worn out. llhen we reclaim our
bodies.they will be new and fresh. They'Il never die. And there is a plan
available where we can retain the happiness and the joy intensified over what
we know here forever. testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
know
I
DEDICATI$I Of THE GRAYE
David Beckstead
0[r Father in
Heaven, by the authority of the melchizedek priesthood we
bow our heads to dedicate and consecrate this burial plot as the resting place
for the body of Sigurd Olaf Nygaard. lle pray for a special flessing through this
priesthood Heavenly Father that this may be a hallowed spot. That it may be a
spot
to
those who come to
feel of
Grandpa's,
their
Fathers and relatives
integrity, that they'll feel of his great strength, that they'll feel of the
peace that he had in his heart from a righteous life. hle bless this spot Heavenly
Father that it may be hallowed again that it might be protected from the outside
elernents of the world. That it will be a place of peace, a place of comfort, a
place of rest and a place for those who come to visit nay find peace to their
souls. tle pray for a blessing to be with Grandna or Dagmar that she nay have
comfort in knowing that he is at peace in his heart and at rest in his body. t{e
also pray for comfort for those who are not here and those who'd like to be here,
that they may feel of the spirit of the day. That they will know the things t'hat
were said and the thoughts that have been given and the love so generous offered
by neighbors and friends and family. l{e ask Thee to bless those who are here to
fill of Thy conrfort and peace and the strength of the power of Grandpa, Sigurd
that they may continue on with their lives as he would have then. Continue to
be honest and to grow and learn and to be the best they can be. l{e recognize Thy
hand in all things Heavenly Father, and'we leave this blessing through the
priesthriod and in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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