Lt. Col. Walter Edwin Nygard

Walter Edwin Nygard passed away, peacefully, in his sleep on July 4, 2009 at the age of 91. Ed was born on a farm near the town of Tower, Minnesota on April 28, 1918 to John and Fanny Nygard. His parents were immigrants from Finland, and Ed was very proud of his Finnish heritage. After completing two years of education at Virginia Jr. College in Virginia, Minnesota and a one year teaching stint at La Salle High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ed realized his dream of being accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. His 3 and one-half year experience there left an indelible mark on his life. Ed graduated from West Point in 1943, the same year as he married his one and only sweetheart, Anne Gleckner. Ed#8217;s military career began during World War II. As a Signal Corps officer, he was further trained in communication intelligence and saw duty in the Pacific on detail to the 20th Air Force. Unknown to virtually all for decades following the war was the fact that he was also secretly dispatched by the 20th Air Force to the British Navy for duty deciphering Japanese code. For his successful efforts in that line of duty, he was acknowledged in commendation letters signed by General Giles and Admiral Nimitz. After a period of duty with the Army Security Agency School, Ed was reassigned to the Signal Corps and to HQ Seventh Army in Germany where he was called upon to author a secure combat crypto code for tactical units of Seventh Army. After duty as 93rd Signal Battalion commander, and finally, as Post Signal Officer at Fort Benning, he retired in 1965 with 23 years of military service. Ed went back to school after retirement, and after two years of college at University of Minnesota, he became a high school science and math teacher. He loved teaching and was quite popular with the students. He was a dedicated teacher for 13 years before retiring. Ed was always busy and had an endless array of hobbies and interests. His years in Duluth, Minnesota; Gallatin Gateway/Bozeman, Montana; and Lillian, Alabama were filled with family activities and his varied pastimes. He was a true #8220;do it yourselfer#8221; and did everything from making maple syrup to building beautiful furniture. Ed adored his family. He was a loving husband who celebrated 66 years of marriage with his beloved Anne on January 27, 2009. Ed was also a devoted father to his five sons and super Gramps to his three grandsons. He would say, #8220;I#8217;d do anything for my boys.#8221; Ed was preceded in death by his parents, John and Fanny Nygard; brother, Nels (Catherine) Nygard; and sisters, Aili (Arnie) Johnson, Martha (Lester) Sjoblom, Laina (Happy) Holter, and Marion (Tony) Pusateri. Ed is survived by his wife Anne of Bozeman, Montana; his five sons, Richard (Joan) of Berkeley, California; David (Jane) of Duluth, Minnesota; Thomas (Shannon) of Bozeman, Montana; and James (Katy), and Robert of Gallatin Gateway, Montana; three grandsons, Dan of Duluth, and Elliot #8220;Beck#8221; and Webster of Bozeman, Montana, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends, including Beverly and Veronica Nett. Sincere thanks to the staff at Birchwood, Mountain View Care Center and Highgate Senior Living for their dedication and care. Ed was dearly loved and will be dearly missed.