Harlan R. Nygaard

Harlan Russell Nygaard, 88, of rural Gilbert, went home to be with his Savior on Monday, May 23, 2016, at Essentia Health Hospital, Aurora, MN. Harlan was born to Millard and Tillie (Nerison) Nygaard on August 11, 1927, in Winona, MN. The family moved to northern Minnesota and he attended schools in Shelley and Ada. Harlan enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 9, 1945. He was married to Marilyn Stende in 1949. They resided in Moorehead and Ulen where Harlan had his own construction company. In 1957, they moved to Hoyt Lakes where Harlan was employed at Erie Mining Company. Later, they moved to Twin Lakes where Harlan built their home. After 32 years at Erie Mining, he retired and they moved to rural Gilbert where he again built his own home. Harlan attended Woodlands Bible Church in Eveleth, MN. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marilyn (Stende) Nygaard of Gilbert and their six children: Nancy (Randall) Flom of North Carolina and Aurora; Joel (Ellen) of Aurora, Miles (Lynda) of Gilbert, Murry (Lydia) of Gilbert, Brent (Bonnie) of Aurora and Margo (Bruce) Hansen of Bovey; step-mother, Arlene Nygaard of Ulen; brother, Virgil (Fay) Nygaard of Michigan; sister, Delores Hanson of Michigan. He had 20 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Harlan was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Mark Nygaard. Visitation will be at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home, Aurora, MN on Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 5:00 –7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Woodlands Bible Church, 204 Adams Avenue, Eveleth, MN on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a private family burial. The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers.