Mark Allen Nygaard was born April 17, 1969, in Moorhead Minnesota to parents Judy Lou Ann Gjevre and Montiville Endicott Junior. Later in life his mother married Roland Nygaard who adopted Mark as a young boy.

Mark enlisted in the US Army in 1988 and served as a sergeant in the Gulf War Era during peacetime and in Operation Desert Storm. He was a expert marksman and rifleman. After active duty he served in the ND National guards. He was proud to be a veteran who served his country.

Mark was always helping someone with something or taking care of tasks for people like yardwork. Giving for Mark had no limits and it made him happy to share what he had with others. He really loved to joke around with people and tell jokes. Perhaps now fondly remembering him tell his “wide mouth frog” joke. Mark was an avid hunter and fisherman. He looked forward to pheasant hunting with family and friends. He was always up for an adventure, and the weather never held him back, rain or shine, snow or ice he was ready.

He had a vast network of friends who he treasured as family and loved to spend time having a social outing or a barbeque in the backyard or the lake. He was a terrible cook but could catch a fish, clean and prep it, and with enthusiasm cook it deliciously and share it with family and friends. His favorite food was a Reuben sandwich.

As a young man he was very involved in his fitness and while a member of Golds Gym was an elite part of the Heavy Lifters club. He was a qualified beekeeper and had his chauffer’s license. Mark was often found working for construction companies or trucking both long haul and for local companies. If it was heavy equipment or farming machinery, he was the guy for the job. While in western ND In 2009 he married Naomi and adopted her daughter Seaira and in 2011 they welcomed Saige to their family. He found his niche working as both crew member and management for Penkota and Go Wireline service company. It was not long before he earned the nickname “workhorse” for his dedicated and non-stop work ethic out in the oil patch. He was a handy man who could take a paper clip and some duct tape and come up with a solution to a problem for making something broken work. He loved all animals and anytime he saw a spotted fawn he felt he was especially blessed that day. He especially loved and cared for his three cats, Socks, Stormy and Sophia.

Mark had a generous heart for helping others, especially veterans. He made many connections in the Lisbon Veterans home and brought them many warm conversations, laughs, and helped to ease their loneliness. He also loved American Flags and eagles. It was meaningful to him for the flag to be presented properly and found honor in retiring flags for others.

Mark noted that “his name is in the bible 518 times.” He loved the Lord and knew him well, although he admitted he didn’t listen to him as much as he should have. He would want everyone to come to Jesus and sit at his feet leaving their worries there, then stay a while and just talk to God. He always told Saige to “never forget to say: Good Morning God.”

He is preceded in death by his parents Judy and Monti, stepfather Roland Nygaard, brother Brian Nygaard, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

He is survived by his son Saige Nygaard, daughter Seaira (Craig Peterson) Nygaard, brothers Charlie Nygaard, Eric (Wanda) Nygaard, sister Kari (Mark) Durbin, Catherine Nygaard, cousins, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND. Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with Military Honors at 6:00 p.m also at the funeral home.