Conley Nygaard

Conley Theodore Nygaard, 91, of Fergus Falls, MN passed away on July 26, 2024, 6 months and 3 days after his wife Carol. He was under the care of the staff at Fergus Falls Veterans Home and Knute Nelson Hospice. He fought a very long battle with dementia.

Conley was born on September 22, 1932 in Holt, MN to Theodore and Anna Nygaard. His family moved to New York state during his high school years, and he graduated in 1950. After which, he entered the United States Navy and served for 8 years. Conley was proud of his service and talked extensively about his travels and experiences in the Navy and being in the Korean War.

Conley was fortunate to have a great family. He met his wife, Carol Ann Grendahl, at the local bank in Thief River Falls, MN after he returned home from his military service. They were soon engaged and married on April 30, 1960 in Thief River Falls. They moved to Fergus Falls after they were married and Conley was employed with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company until he was offered an early retirement in 1986. Conley and Carol were married 63 years. They were blessed with four wonderful children, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. They brought him much joy, happiness and smiles.

Conley enjoyed living in the country and tending to a very large garden of vegetables galore! He was always generously giving away the fruits of his labor and Carol was often in the kitchen canning. If you stopped out to visit Conley, he was either in the garden, mowing, (or fixing his mower), or in his shop working on his cars! He always had some Dollar Store cookies, a jar of Honey Roasted peanuts, day old coffee, and Milwaukee's Best Beer in the fridge!!

Conley was an avid "Ford Man" who loved restoring vintage Fords to their original glory! He was one of the founders of the Fergus Falls Classic Car Club and member for over 50 years. In 2017, on his 85th Birthday, a birthday celebration was a highlight in his last years and the support of friends and family were treated to a "personal parade" with all the Car Club Members Vintage cars! He was presented a wonderful tribute plaque and a fun decorated "FORD" cake which was enjoyed by all! Summers were filled with countless parade events to which he proudly drove his Fords until the recent years when he lost his eyesight and then Carol took over.

Conley was a lifetime member of the VFW, The Eagles, Elks, and American Legion. He was a dedicated member of the DFL and the CWA. He was a hockey and baseball parent and spent many weekends traveling with the boys to their games. Conley and Carol also were members of the Sons of Norway and traveled to Norway several times. They attended Bethlehem Lutheran Church and were actively involved with church activities. Trips to California and North Carolina were made when Connie lived there with her boys.

Conley was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Anna Nygaard; his wife's parents, Andrew and Cora Grendahl; his brother, Robert; two sisters, Ramona and Tressie; and recently his wife, Carol.

He is survived by his one sister, Melba, FL, his four children, Grant (LeahAnn) of Pelican Rapids, Connie (Mike), Lance (Janet), and Kurt (Kym) all of Fergus Falls; nine grandchild, Erik, Kai, Kassidy, Kelsey, Kole, Kendal, Austin Caitlyn, and Sarah; eleven great grandchildren, Leena, Liam Lira, Theo, Olivia, Quinn, Emmitt, Marcus, Holden, Alex and Mia; and one great-great grandchild, Ricky.

Celebration of Life & Memorial Service: 1:00 pm Friday, August 2, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel with a visitation 11:30 am -1:00 pm at the funeral home.

Clergy: Reverend Eliza Johnson

Military Participation: Fergus Falls V. F.W. Post 612 and American Legion Post 30

Interment: Kongsberg Cemetery, Fergus Falls. Both Conley and Carol will be laid to rest together.

Family would like memorials preferred to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com