Betsinda "Betsy" Nygaard

Betsinda “Betsy” Nygaard, age 81, resident of Forney, TX, formerly of Lakota, ND, died Saturday, July 20, 2019 in Forney.

Betsinda Muhlhauser was born October 13, 1937 in Beulah, ND.  She graduated with her degree in education and spent her career serving the community and children in education and community organizations.  Mrs. Nygaard was a beloved teacher for years to many students in Devils Lake, Fairdale and Lakota, ND.  After retiring as a fulltime teacher, she began a second career as a Director of the North Dakota Girl Scout Chapters in Nelson County and continued to substitute teach as she was needed at Lakota.  She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Lakota.

Betsy met and married Arnold Nygaard on May 1, 1965 in Devils Lake, ND.  They were married for 44 happy and adventurous years.  They enjoyed hunting, fishing, and fellowship with lifelong friends.  She was a faithful friend, sister, wife, and mother to many.  Betsy lost her beloved husband Arnold, October 22, 2009.  In 2012, she was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia and fought valiantly navigating many stages of change.  The children moved Betsy to Forney, TX, where she would receive the care that she needed to help her remain independent and to be closer to family.  It was her desire to document her journey to science for continuing study of this rare disease remaining a teacher with the utmost dignity.

Betsinda is preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Arnold Nygaard; her son, Mst. Sgt. Jeffery Paul Nygaard; her mother, Hulda Sandau; her father, Benjamin Muhlhauser; and her brother, Benjamin Muhlhauser Jr.

She is survived by her children, Steven Nygaard of Gun Barrel City, TX and Cheryl Ballard of Forney, TX; and her sister, Marge Muhlhauser of Dickinson, ND.

There will be a graveside service at Hoff Cemetery, rural Brocket, ND,  on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.  All friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betsinda "Betsy" Nygaard, please visit our floral store.