DAVID NYGAARD
Obituary
David Andrew Nygaard, 70, passed away
unexpectedly in his home on Monday (April 9, 2018). He was a loved
and dedicated father, husband, brother, son, uncle and highly
respected member of his community.
David was born Nov. 4, 1947, in
Hastings, Nebraska, to parents Harry and Elsa (Fielder) Nygaard. He
spent his early years in Hastings, and the family moved back to its
hometown in Mott, North Dakota, when he was in the sixth grade. The
family relocated to Newton in 1962, and David decided to make Newton
his home. He always stated he was a "Newtonian by choice."
He graduated from Newton High School in 1966, received his Bachelor
of Arts in Education from Wichita State University in 1973 and Master
of Arts in Education from WSU in 1974.
David joined the Navy Reserves in 1965
and served in Vietnam. He also served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm
on the U.S.S. St. Louis (LKA-116). He retired from the Navy as a
Force Master Chief. In 1997, David was selected as one of four Naval
leaders in the entire U.S. Navy to help close bases on the West Coast
of California.
David worked at Kansas State Bank in
Newton, which later became Bank IV. He started out as a bookkeeper in
1965 while still in high school and eventually became the
Vice-President of Loans and Human Resources, spending more than 30
years at the bank before retiring.
David met LaVerna "Bernie"
Ott while she was waitressing at the West Wend Cafe while taking a
break from college and proposed to her two weeks later. They married
on Nov. 27, 1970, at the Bethel College Mennonite Church in North
Newton. They were in a car accident in June of 1971, which altered
their path forever, leaving Bernie physically disabled for the
remainder of her life. David spent their marriage caring and
supporting her with as much normalcy as he could, considering the
trying circumstance, while never losing sight of his adoration and
love for her. They were married for almost 45 years when she passed
away in September of 2015. They were the best parents and instilled
hard work, compassion and empathy in their two daughters, Nichole and
Natalie.
David spent more than five decades of
his life serving his community through various organizations. He was
a member and former president of the Harvey County Bankers; member,
past President and former secretary/treasurer of the Newton Chamber
of Commerce; member, former President and former chairman of the
United Way of Harvey County; past President of Newton Junior Chamber
(the year Newton was number one in the state), also serving as former
Vice-President and former Regional Director; former board member of
the USD 373 Board of Education, serving as president for the
1989-1990 school year; past President of Newton Rotary Club; past
District Governor of District 5690 of Rotary International; former
chairman of the Harvey County Historical Society; past chairman of
the Newton Tourism Board; board member for the United Church of
Christ; and was elected to the Newton City Commission in 2015,
serving as Mayor of Newton at the time of his passing.
He was a member of various clubs and
associations, including but not limited to: VFW, American Legion,
Disabled American Veterans, Wichita State University Alumni
Association and Masonic Lodge.
David was a tireless community servant,
volunteering for Meals on Wheels; Senior Patrol; coaching many of his
daughters' soccer, T-ball and softball teams; and was noted for his
delivery of thousands of popcorn balls and peppernuts to local
businesses around Christmas time.
David received many awards over the
years, including Newton Chamber of Commerce Top Ambassador and
Ambassador of the Year, Starks K. Vincent Award: Outstanding Local
President Kansas Jaycees, Wichita State University Alumni Association
Award of Distinction, Newton Recreation Commission Wellness Division
Volunteer of the Year, Newton High School Lifetime Achievement Award,
and in 1996, David was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch when the
flame passed through Newton on its way to Atlanta for the 1996 Summer
Olympic Games. Also, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award
for being the best grandfather, father, husband and brother by his
family.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; brother, Joe Nygaard; wife, LaVerna; and granddaughter,
Sienna Daniels.
Survivors include their two daughters,
Nichole (Robert) Daniels of Topeka, and their sons Royce, Brody and
Lucas, and Natalie (Cody) Ioerger of Manhattan, and their daughter
Zoe and son Edison; sister, Joette (Charlie) Speake of Colstrip,
Montana; and several nieces, nephews and their children.
Family visitation will be from 3 to 5
p.m. Sunday (April 15, 2018) and the Memorial Service will be 2 p.m.
Monday (April 16, 2018), both held at the First United Church of
Christ, 210 E. Fourth St. in Newton. Family graveside committal
services will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests
memorials in his honor to be given to The Nygaard Family Scholarship
Fund in care of Central Kansas Community Foundation, 301 N. Main St.,
Newton KS 67114.
