Arthur "Art" Rygh, age 91 of rural South Wayne, WI, passed away Tuesday, November 9, 2010, one week after his wife at Community Living Home Options in Monroe, WI. He was born September 28, 1919 in Woodford WI, the son of Theodore and Dina (Buvarp) Rygh. Art attended Cherry Branch Rural School with brothers and sisters. He was united in marriage to Betty Berg on October 17, 1948 at East Wiota Lutheran Church in rural South Wayne and recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. Art lived and farmed in rural Woodford, where he and Betty farmed for over 60 years. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1941 until 1945 and fought in the European Theater, where he received two purple hearts.
Art is survived by his three children: Steven (Anita) Rygh and Mark (Marlene) Rygh both of rural South Wayne, and Martha Pfaff of Mount Horeb, WI; seven grandchildren: Andrea (Nick) Capaul, Allison Rygh, Ryan and Rachel Rygh, Justin (Vanessa), Stephanie, and Lincoln Pfaff; and one sister: Evelyn Hulstedt of Rockford, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Betty on November 2, 2010; six brothers: Trygve, Bjarne, Wilhelm, John, Roland, and Theodore, Jr. Rygh; six sisters: Elida Hansen, Gunhild Rygh, Dagny Frontz, Borghild Weittenhiller, Clara Mayer-Baumgartner, and Ruth Bahler.
Art was a very active member of Wiota Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities over the years. He was also a member of Argyle American Legion Post #251 and a past member of Woodford Fire Department. Art enjoyed spending time with and watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved kids and enjoyed good natured teasing. Art will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at East Wiota Lutheran Church, 10311 Highway 78, South Wayne, WI with Rev. Luke S. Smetters officiating. Burial will be in East Wiota Cemetery in rural South Wayne, where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Friday, November 12, 2010, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home, 60 Breeze Terrace in Argyle, WI. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
Art is survived by his three children: Steven (Anita) Rygh and Mark (Marlene) Rygh both of rural South Wayne, and Martha Pfaff of Mount Horeb, WI; seven grandchildren: Andrea (Nick) Capaul, Allison Rygh, Ryan and Rachel Rygh, Justin (Vanessa), Stephanie, and Lincoln Pfaff; and one sister: Evelyn Hulstedt of Rockford, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Betty on November 2, 2010; six brothers: Trygve, Bjarne, Wilhelm, John, Roland, and Theodore, Jr. Rygh; six sisters: Elida Hansen, Gunhild Rygh, Dagny Frontz, Borghild Weittenhiller, Clara Mayer-Baumgartner, and Ruth Bahler.
Art was a very active member of Wiota Lutheran Church, where he served in many capacities over the years. He was also a member of Argyle American Legion Post #251 and a past member of Woodford Fire Department. Art enjoyed spending time with and watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved kids and enjoyed good natured teasing. Art will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 13, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. at East Wiota Lutheran Church, 10311 Highway 78, South Wayne, WI with Rev. Luke S. Smetters officiating. Burial will be in East Wiota Cemetery in rural South Wayne, where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation will be held Friday, November 12, 2010, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Erickson Funeral Home, 60 Breeze Terrace in Argyle, WI. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.