Geraldyne J. Nygaard

Geraldyne J. Nygaard, 83, Shelly, MN, died Sunday, May 7, 2023, in her residence surrounded by her family under care of Hospice.

Geraldyne Jean Sistad was born August 30, 1939, in Halstad, MN, to James and Gladys (Waale) Sistad.   She grew up and attended school in Nielsville, MN and high school in Climax, MN.  On December 29, 1955, Geraldyne was united in marriage to Lyman Nygaard and they welcomed four children, Leslie, Mark, Julie and Cathy.  

Gerry completed the requirements and earned her Title 1 Tutor Certificate.    She began working for Halstad Public School in 1970 and finished her career with Norman County West, retiring in 2013. 

Family was everything to Gerry.  She was a wonderful hostess and always looked forward to when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would visit.   The annual Nygaard New Years Day celebration was always a huge hit.  Gerry and Lyman’s home was filled with family, friends and music, which consisted of guitars, accordions, fiddles and violins.   Gerry was active with her church, serving as their Sunday School Superintendent for many years and also sang in their traveling choir group at church called “Inspirations.”  One of her passions was photography.  Gerry created many albums and picture collages for her family that will be cherished for years to come.

Gerry was known for her baking, cooking and pickles, but she is remembered by her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. 

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 67 years, Lyman of Shelly; two sons, Leslie (Carol) Nygaard of Moorhead, MN, Mark Nygaard of Shelly; and two daughters, Julie Nygaard of Fargo, ND and Cathy (Mike) Kolness of East Grand Forks, MN. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Virgil (Diane) Sistad of Glyndon, MN; aunt, Lorraine Knutson of Glenwood, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant twin grandsons, Nicholas and Andrew Kolness; infant great-granddaughter, Charlotte Reeves; and sister-in-law, Marlene Sistad.

A Celebration of Life for Geraldyne will be Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 1pm-3pm, with a 3pm Prayer Service at the Shelly Community and Senior Center at 106 W McKinley Ave., Shelly, MN.