David Andrew Nygaard

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.