Donald Gordon Rygg

   Donald Gordon Rygg, 94, of Mayville, ND, died on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at the Sanford Hospital in Mayville, ND.

   Donald Rygg was born on November 16, 1925 in Steele County Sherbrooke Township North Dakota. He was the son of the late Elmer (Herby) and Ingeborg (Rud) Rygg. Donald graduated from Portland High School in 1944. After high school he attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND. In March of 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan under the command of General MacArthur, Donald was discharged in November 1946.

   Donald married Elaine Lien on June 12, 1947 in the Aurdal Lutheran Church of Portland, ND. Donald and Elaine made Portland their home while farming. After many years of farming, Donald and Elaine opened a furniture restoration business called "Don's Antique Furniture Stripping". Donald had an exceptional talent for wood working and the creative patience for replicating original furniture design. A craftily interest he maintained throughout his life. A genuine "fix-it man", Donald had a carpenter's skills for fabricating available materials to accommodate the desired need. He often credited his father for fostering his enthusiasm for farmhand self-efficiency and the ambition to build or repair just about anything. 

   During his "retirement" years Donald and wife Elaine transitioned from the farmstead and moved into Mayville. He was an avid reader and gardener who held an enthusiastic interest for gadgets. He and Elaine traveled to Norway to renew family history and were frequent "motor home winter visitors" to Arizona. He was an active affiliate of Aurdal Lutheran Church, and a life-time member of the American Legion. During his younger years he was a long-time supporter of 4-H, enjoyed many years playing softball and bowling, and fancied playing late-night pinochle with friends.

   Donald is survived by his four children: Richard (Janna) Rygg of Mayville, ND, Debbie (Gerry) Swift of Mayville, ND, John Rygg of West Fargo, ND and Becky (Jann) Contento, Scottsdale, AZ; 9 grandchildren: Nicholas Rygg, Carolyn Rygg, Danny Swift, Matthew Swift, Kristen Swift, Jarid Rygg, Jodie (Rygg) Richards, Amanda Swift, Samantha Swift; 6 great-grandchildren: Camden Swift, Kellen Swift, Jada Swift, Jaxon Swift, Lauren Bowe, Kayden Richards, and Kira Richards.

    He leaves behind two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law Lorraine Rygg of Fargo, ND; Barbara Rygg of Portland, ND and Earle (Shelby) Lien of Fargo, ND; 8 nieces and 7 nephews.

   He will be remembered for his energetic curiosity in learning, fixing, building, and repairing.  

    Memorial may be made to the Aurdal Lutheran Church or Cemetery at 300 Broadway Ave, Portland, ND 58274; Alzheimers Association at 225 N Michigan Ave, FL 17 in Chicago, IL 60601 or the American Cancer Society at 4646 Amber Valley Pkwy S in Fargo, ND 58104.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Military Honors: May~Port Honor Guard and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.

Burial: Will be in the Aurdal Cemetery in Portland, ND.