Sylvan Eugene Nygaard was born on August 17, 1939 in Crosby, North Dakota to Melvin and Alma Nygaard. He graduated from Alamo High School in 1957 and attended Wahpeton State School of Science for two years receiving a degree in Mechanics.

Sylvan was united in marriage to Mila Arneson in June of 1960. To this marriage they were blessed with three children, two sons, Darcy and Kelly and a daughter, Rita.

He worked for Fisketjon in Ray, ND and then went on to Grenora where he worked for Henry’s Service Center and John Deere. Sylvan then moved to Wildrose and worked for Dash Comfort. Later he would move back to Grenora and open Nygaard Service with his father and brother. Sylvan always kept himself busy whether it was working in his repair shop, moving grain bins or operating his backhoe.

Sylvan enjoyed racing snowmobiles with his father and brother, and hobby farming.

He served in his Grenora community as the Mayor, Fire Chief, lifetime member of the Fire Department and a Boy Scout Leader. He was also a Sunday School Teacher in Wildrose.

He is survived by his wife, Mila; sons, Darcy (Deb) and Kelly (Kari); daughter Rita (John); 7 grandchildren, Miranda, Sabrina, Ty, Taylor, Jason (Mary), Alicia and Jarret; 5 great grandchildren, Trinity, Sylvan, Jakob, Matthew and Quinten; brothers, Mel and Alton; sister, Yolanda and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvan was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Alma; sister, Pamela Sundhagen and brother, Kevin.