Curtis V. Trygstad

Curtis Trygstad was born on 06/13/1947 to Cyrus and Edith Trygstad at St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen SD and departed his family and friends on May 9, 2023 . When asked, he claimed that he had been blessed with many wonderful opportunities and memories and said he hoped that he had led a good, full and impactful life.

As a child of educators, it was not surprising that he came to believe in the importance of education; values that guided him and inspired him to promote education through his professional life. His parents and experience at Pelican Rapids High School also helped him to develop a strong work ethic…. he was a three-sport letterman, served as business manager for the school annual, played in the band, sang in the choir, was inducted into the National Honor Society, delivered newspapers, participated in Boy Scouts, worked at a lake resort cleaning fish and mowing lawns, stocked shelves in a drug store, and spent two summers working for a house moving company.

After completing one year of college at U of M, Morris, Curt enlisted in the Air Force and served his country from 1967 through 1970 and left as a Staff Sargent. Over a period of 10 years, Curt attended 7 different colleges and universities and finally graduated from Moorhead State University with a B.S. degree in Education in 1974. With over 300 college credits, he likes to claim that his degree was really in “Wonderment!”

On March 20, 1971, Curt was united in marriage to Carol Gulleckson at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. They took up residence in Detroit Lakes, MN. While attending Moorhead State, Curt completed his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and was employed by Detroit Lakes Ambulance Service.

In 1974, Curt was hired by Detroit Lakes High School, where he taught Sociology, World History, Physical Education and Drivers Education. In addition, he helped to coach 9th grade basketball.

In 1975 Curt moved his family to Lake Park, MN, where he was hired by the Lake Park School District. He taught Math, American History, Drivers Education, Economics, created a new curriculum for High School Seniors called “The World of Work” and coached 7th and 8th grade football and basketball. In the community, he temporarily served as club committee chair and co-chair of the gambling committee for the American Legion, joined the First Lutheran Church choir, and helped to found and served as President of Lake Park A.L.E.R.T., an all-volunteer/non-profit ambulance service. No patient ever received a bill. In addition, Curt helped to found a community-based scholarship foundation known as Lake Park Dollars for Scholars and served as President of the chapter until 1988.

In the fall of 1988 Curt was invited to join Citizens Scholarship Foundation of America, (now known as Scholarship America) as the Midwest Regional Director, serving over 350 Dollars for Scholars chapters in 7 north-central states. Over 25 years, his role with the foundation changed many times. In the process, he helped to create over 350 community based foundations across the United States, conducted numerous workshops and played a major role in the administration of several grant programs sponsored by such as organizations as the DeWitt Wallace-Readers Digest Fund, USA Funds, the McElroy Trust (Iowa) and the Wedum Foundation (MN & WI).

In 2013 Curt retired from Scholarship America and moved to Fargo, ND in order that he and Carol could be closer to family. Curt and Carol also enjoyed participating in The Prime Time Choir -an ecumenical choir that sings in nursing homes. Over the years, Curt’s passions included time with family and friends, travel with Carol, fishing, and golf.

Curt is survived by his children, Greta (Matt) Kiser and John (Stephanie), his brothers Glenn (Lynette) Trygstad, Joel (Mara) Trygstad and Todd (Deborah) Trygstad, his five grandsons, Luke Kiser, Max Kiser, Cyrus Trygstad, Sidney Trygstad, and Wallace Trygstad. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, and his parents, Cyrus and Edith Trygstad.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 AM Friday, June 16, 2023, at Hope Lutheran Church – South Campus – with a visitation one hour prior. All are welcome to attend, for those unable, the service will be live streamed on the funeral home website.

BURIAL: Fargo National Cemetery – at a later date

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

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