R.G. Lyngstad

R.G. ?Bob? Lyngstad Robert Grant Lyngstad, age 81, died on Monday, August 13, 2007 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, following a courageous battle with cancer. His daily motto was ?I can?t, God can, so I?ll let him.? Bob was born March 2, 1926 in Bismarck, ND to John O and Emma (Brandt) Lyngstad. He attended Bismarck Public Schools until his graduation in 1944. At the age of 14, he had earned his Eagle Scout Award. Following high school, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 43rd Infantry Division in the Philippines. Upon Japanese surrender, he was transferred to the 5th Air Force Division and served with the occupied forces in Japan. After discharge, he attended Bismarck Junior College and transferred to Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. He married Lorraine ?Lorry? Bollinger on June 20, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mobridge, SD. They lived in St. Paul, MN where he continued college and worked as a chemist at Swift and Co. He joined E.W. Wylie, Inc. in 1952 as a construction superintendent. His early years with Wylie included transfers to East Grand Forks, MN and Los Angeles, CA. Following seven years as an independent contractor, Bob rejoined E.W. Wylie in 1965 and purchased and relocated the company to Fargo in 1974. Company business involved long-haul trucking, construction, and real estate. In 1972 he started Midwest Mack Trucks in Fargo. Bob retired in 1988, selling E.W. Wylie, Inc. to his sons, John and Rob. Bob was an avid traveler and outdoorsman. In 1997, he and Lorry traveled around the world in twenty-four days on the Concorde to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Fishing trips took him to Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada. His passion for hunting took him to Africa, Alaska and the Yukon in Canada as well as throughout the western United States. His annual trip to South Dakota for pheasant hunting was a priority. He constructed a hunting cabin in northern Minnesota to ensure that following Lyngstad generations would have a place to continue his passion. Bob had a gift for working with his hands and could create and build anything that was needed. Always a competitor, he also loved a challenging card game of Bridge, Cribbage, Whist, or Gin Rummy. Believing that one should always give back, Bob selflessly contributed his time, talent and treasures to promote opportunities for others to find security and success. He passionately believed that North Dakota needed a private Christian college. As such, he made significant gifts to Jamestown College and served over 24 years on their Board of Trustees, retiring in 2001 as Vice Chairman. Jamestown College conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Humanities in 2002. His philanthropy and vision extended beyond academia to include major contributions to the Fargo/Moorhead YWCA, the Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, New Life Center and many other local and national organizations. He served as an Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Tarzana, CA, ST. Paul, MN, and Fargo, ND. Bob derived great personal satisfaction in being a true steward of the people, and truly exemplified what ?one man can do.? R.G. is survived by his wife, Lorry, and three children: John (Elizabeth) and their children: Stephen and Lauren of Fargo, ND, Rob (Karla) and their children: Katie (Josh) Johnson and Bob?s first great grandson: Brady Reid Johnson, and John Robert, all of Fargo, ND, and Ann (Gerald) Weflen and their children: Craig and Allison, Sioux Falls, SD, Kristi (Dr. Kevin) Macadaeg and children: Cole, Caleb, Eliana, and Christian in Indianapolis, IN, Kari (Tom) Loofe and their children: John, Luke, Mark, and Mattie of Sioux Falls, SD; brother: John ?Jack? Lyngstad of Phoenix, AZ; sister: Edna Moses of Bismarck, ND; sister-in-law: Donna (Mel) Buus of Custer, SD; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. R.G. is preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law: Doris and William Tillotson; brother-in-law: Jim Moses; and sister-in-law: Ireta Lyngstad. R.G. leaves a legacy of strong faith in God, and belief in the enduring values of honesty, hard work and dedication to one?s family and community. His life story of compassion, success, and philanthropy will serve future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be designated to the donor?s choice. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 1:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo, ND. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.