Judy Lou Ann Nygaard of Helena, MT – formerly of Devils Lake, ND – passed away on Saturday morning, October 22, 2022 in her home.
She will be buried beside her husband, Roland, in the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
Judy Lou Ann, daughter of Paul Gjevre and Edna (Pederson) Gjevre, was born on January 6, 1945 in Devils Lake, ND. Judy grew up and was educated in Starkweather, ND where she graduated from Starkweather High School in 1963.
She later lived in Dilworth, MN where she was primarily a homemaker. She then moved her household to Enderlin, ND.
On December 7, 1972, Judy married the love of her life, Roland D. Nygaard in Fargo, ND. They established their home in Lisbon, ND where they were living when their daughter Kari was born. There, they were the owners and operators of R & J Lounge for ten years. They then moved to Devils Lake, ND.
Judy attended college at Minot State University and graduated with her B.S. in Social Work in December 1998 and obtained her North Dakota state licensure for Social Work in 1999. She was passionate about her career as a social worker, and provided caring, dedicated service through her position at Lake Region Human Services Center and her volunteer work including the “A Friend for Lunch” program – which she piloted.
She retired and moved to Helena, MT in 2011 to be with her family after her husband Roland passed. Here she continued her life of service, through volunteering for organizations such as the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Judy was artistic, gentle, and passionate. In her leisure time, she was an avid cook and baker, loved gardening, crafting, finding a good deal at a garage sale, and watching her grandson, Justin, play hockey. She loved her cats and her Lifetime movies, but loved nothing more than being a Grandmother.
Judy is survived by her devoted daughter: Kari (Mark) Durbin – Helena, MT; Grandchildren: Kayla (Jacob) Smith – Minneapolis, MN, Justin (Krystal Miller) Durbin and Heather Durbin – Helena, MT, Ashley, Alexandra, and Joshua, Brady and Jada, Seaira and Saige; her brother: Gary (Judy Held) Gjevre – Devils Lake, ND; her former daughter-in-law: Erin Fowler; her cat: Fifi; and her sons: Eric (Wanda) and Mark Nygaard.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Nygaard; her parents Paul and Edna Gjevre; her son, Brian Nygaard; and her sisters, JoAnn Toso and Lois Spidahl.
In lieu of flowers, Judy has asked that donations be made to cancer research. Please visit www.bigskycremations.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Judy.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jim Rhoads says
Sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. I enjoyed working with her.
Donna Fischer says
Judy was a true friend through the phone for the past 3 yrs. and a face to face for six years. She was a good listener, and never gave advice unless asked. We had many good laughs on our lives. I loved how she always said people would say “Judy, this or Judy that ”
She loved her family with all her heart and she has been a blessing to many, and in my life.
My sincere condolences to her family, especially Kari and family in Helena.
Richard Johnson says
Would like to say sorry of your loss from the family of George and Dorthy Johnson,Enderlin,ND.They use to come to our house years ago.My mother baby set Kari.They ran the VFW I think then.Me and my mom went up to Stark Weather once to visit.My mother Dorthy passed away on May 29,2020 at the home in Enderlin.Was nice knowing the Nygards. Richard Johnson. 218 469 0628
Phylis Shanahan says
I’m sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed Judy at my work. She will be missed by us all. 😢