Obert D.
Nygaard
- Visitation Saturday, August 2 from 10am-12pm at
- St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 3775 E. Cudahy Avenue Cudahy, Wi 53110
- Funeral Service at 12:oo Noon
Obert D. Nygaard
“Obie”
August 5, 1928 – July 26, 2025
“Obie” was born August 5th, 1928, in Pierpont, South Dakota. He was the third and youngest child of Jacob and Sena (nee. Olson) Nygaard. He was adopted into the family of God though baptism on September 16th, 1928, at The Langford Lutheran Congregation in Langford, South Dakota. He was confirmed in faith on June 13th, 1943, at Bathesda Lutheran Church in Bristol, South Dakota. He completed all his primary schooling in Bristol, graduating with honors in 1946.
Following high school, Obie enlisted in the Army-Air Corps. He received initial training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, then served in occupied Japan until his discharge from the newly formed U.S. Air Force in 1947. He was recalled to service in the Air Force during the Korean War and served at a radar station in Finland, Minnesota.
Obie moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, following the war and worked for a time for his brother-in-law before moving to California to make it big as part of a doo-op group. Being a few years ahead of his time, he worked a variety of interesting jobs there before returning to Milwaukee.
He met his wife of 69 years, Barbara Butzlaff, when he spotted her dancing the Charleston at the Ladish Company Metallurgical Department Christmas party in 1954. He asked her to dance every dance the rest of the night; and, really, ever since: they wed on January 28th, 1956.
In 1957, Obie was a member of the first graduating class of UW-Milwaukee, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and art.
After a brief adventure in St. Louis, Missouri, Obie and Barb settled on the south side of Milwaukee to raise their growing family. Obie started a 34-year career at IBM in 1957. They became members at St. Paul’s, Cudahy, where Obie served as treasurer, on various boards and committees, as an usher and in shut-in ministry.
A classical autodidact, Obie was a lifelong learner, setting an example to his children by being well-read on a variety of subjects and ready to discuss any topic with thoughtfulness, alacrity and wit. Following his retirement from IBM in 1991, Obie took classes in Spanish and joined the Milwaukee Men’s Sketch Club. He began a self-study in Norwegian and took many trips to the Norwegian Festival in Norskedalen each June. He nurtured avid interests in Biblical archeology, languages, economics, crossword puzzles and Sheepshead. He was an accomplished woodworker, always meticulously designing his next project if he wasn’t in the workshop building one.
Obie’s emblematic attribute, present up until his very last day, was his rapier wit and flawless comedic timing. Posterity demands examples, yet none here would do justice.
Obie led a modest life in which he loved and appreciated his family and many long friendships. He was a humble example of faithfulness to his Lord and his marriage that he passed now to three generations.
Obie is survived by his wife, Barbara; his six children: Kurt (Kimberly) Nygaard, Kristin (Michael) Coulthurst, Kelly Nygaard, William (Sherry) Nygaard, James (Tammy) Nygaard and Andrew (Andrea) Nygaard; his grandchildren: Allison Nygaard, Leslie Nygaard, Annette (Mark) Ehlke, Natalie Coulthurst, Spencer (Kelsey) Coulthurst, Bennett Nygaard, Lauren Nygaard, Bryce Nygaard, Grace Nygaard, Holly (Craig) Paarfusser, Logan (Heather) Nygaard, Robyn (Alex) Bennett, Jacob (Rachel) Nygaard, Lucas (Lizzie) Nygaard, Erik (Jillian) Nygaard, Matthew Nygaard, and Faith Nygaard; his great-grandchildren: Olivia, Caiden, Ayla and Elsie Ehlke, Mia Coulthurst, Mason and Jonah Paarfusser, Oliver and Marlene Nygaard, Jay and baby Bennett and June and Silas Nygaard; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Obie was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Sena Nygaard, Barabara’s parents, Alfred and Catherine Butzlaff, his brother Milton (Bonnie) Nygaard, sister Ann (Erv) Atkielski, brothers-in-law Richard and Thomas Butzlaff and granddaughter Sarah Nygaard.
Obie’s victory celebration will be held Saturday, August 2nd at 12:00 noon at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3775 E. Cudahy Avenue, Cudahy, WI 53110, with visitation to be held immediately prior from 10:00 am to noon.
Interment will take place on Monday, August 4th for immediate family only.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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My very deepest sympathies. Barn in the loss of your Husband. May God give you the strength you need during this time.
My heartfelt prayers are with your Family . He was blessed to enjoy his children grow up and his grandchildren grow and the many great grandchild . Obie always had a smile and a good thing to say . God has a wonderful Angel 🙏
Our deepest condolences for your loss to the entire Nygaard family. We will always remember his kind smile and his laughter at our HOA meetings. He could make you laugh and was a joy to know. A kind sweet spirit. We will miss him as our neighbor. Another “Angel” gains his wings, I’ll look forward to his smile and laughter again one day when we meet in heaven. Our love, hugs and prayers to you Barb and entire family.
My Deepest Sympathy Dear Barbara to you and your wonderful family .All of you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Barbara and family, we are on a camping trip but the “Granum Girls” informed us of your loss. We feel blessed we had the opportunity to meet Obie and spend time with the two of you. We will treasure our memories. He certainly lived a full, active life and will be remembered for his giving spirit and twinkling eyes. We know he is in the hand of the Lord. Our deepest sympathy, Sue & Fred
Our deepest sympathies to you, Barbara, and your beautiful family. May you all get strength in knowing what a warm and compassionate friend, Obie was to our family and my parents.. God Bless you all !
Dear Nygaard Family;
I am so sorry to learn of Obie’s passing.
I liked your Dad very much, he always said hello when we’re in church, a truly nice man.
He will be missed.
One of my favorite moments with Obie was sharing a Guiness with him at one of Jim’s July 4th parties. When I offered him one his eyes lit up and said he was happy someone had “real” beer. I will be offering one up for him. Barb and family it has been an honor having you as part of my life and my prayers for you are for peace and joy knowing Obie’s victory is won.
Nygaard Family, we are sorry to learn of Obie’s passing. He led a Christian life and raised a beautiful family . Our sincerest sympathies.
Dear Nygaard family , my sincerest condolences on the death of Obie ; I liked him very much and I am very sorry that I have not met him for so long ; he leaves behind a wonderful family of which he was always very proud . I am thinking of you, best regards ELlen
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Uncle Obie, the most wonderful man, will be missed by me very much. His many talents – art, music, woodworking and more, continuous desire to learn and honorable life are an inspiration I will carry with me forever. Love you very much!