Brian Nygaard

Brian Keith Nygaard, lifelong Fergus Falls resident and veteran Lakes Radio employee, died at the age of 48. He passed away at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, January 28, 2011, peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He had been in the intensive care unit since mid December, suffering from complications related to his liver and pancreas. Brian was born September 25, 1962, in Fergus Falls, to Mildred (Johnson) and Myron Nygaard. He attended Jefferson Elementary School and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1981. He held various jobs after high school, including gas station attendant, busboy, bartender, radio disc jockey and taxi driver. While a busboy at Perkins in 1980, he met his future wife, Sylvia Lokken, a waitress. She asked him out to a movie on their first date and they tied the knot eight years later. They were married in Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, September 3, 1988, and were together for 22 years. Brian began his career at Lakes Radio in 1988, where he became director of the News Department in 2000. Known as Brian Lokken, he was highly respected for the professionalism and integrity with which he handled his news work. During his career, Brian became well known to community leaders, business persons, and listeners alike. He was honored with numerous news broadcasting awards, including a Media Best Award from the MN Broadcaster's Association in 2005 for Spot News Coverage in a small radio market. In his private life, Brian enjoyed playing golf, even in his backyard, playing pool on weekends with his friends, and motorcycling, but especially treasured his precious time at home with his loving wife. He yelled at the Vikings, cheered the Twins, and hated raking leaves. His favorite time of the day was when he would come home, let out a big sigh, and do nothing. Brian will be deeply missed by his wife, family, co-workers, and countless friends. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; his mother, Mildred Nygaard of Fergus Falls; three sisters, Susan and Joyce Nygaard of Fergus Falls and Sherry (Ralph) Carter of Anoka; two nephews, Jason Carter (fiancee', Nancy) and Shawn Carter; mother-in-law, Doris Lokken; brothers-in-law, Fredrick (Marsha Thomas) Lokken and Rainer (Maria) Lokken; two uncles; one aunt and numerous other relatives. Memorials may be directed to the Nygaard family benefit which will be held on Monday, February 7 at the Fergus Falls VFW beginning at 4:30 pm. Visitation 4-7 pm Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church Service 1 pm Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the First Church of the Nazarene, Fergus Falls Clergy Reverend Mike Voorhees Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls