John Marvin Nygard

John Marvin Nygard of Austin, Texas passed away on December 19, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in 1925 to John and Mary Nygard, and was raised by his mother with his two sisters in Iron River, Michigan after he lost his father when he was ten years old.

John was sworn into the United States Marine Corp prior to graduating from Iron River High School and trained in California and Florida Naval Air Stations, completing his flight training at Cecil Field, Florida. During World War II, John served his country as a Marine dive bomber in the Pacific. He completed 50 missions over enemy territory, receiving numerous medals and citations (including an Air Medal) and was wounded on a raid on Clark field in the Philippines. The war ended as John was training for a night fighting squadron in preparation for the invasion of Japan.

After his honorable discharge from the Marines in 1945, John funded his education at universities in Michigan and Wisconsin by working in the iron mines, the U. S. Coast Guard, and as an electrician/TV repair technician. In 1950, John married his sweetheart, Patricia F. Parolari.

After a successful thirty eight year career with IBM, John retired in 1990. Pat and John spent his remaining years enjoying life, traveling and visiting friends and relatives. John also enjoyed science and wood working while remaining active at the Faith Lutheran Church in Austin.

John is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years, Patricia; son Reid Nygard and wife Funny of Houston, daughter Patricia Travis and husband Rick of Pflugerville; grandchildren, John Travis of Hutto, Kaitlin Travis of Pflugerville, Chris Nygard of Driftwood, Anthony Nygard of Houston; and sisters, Nicki Heath and Gladys Myers; as well as his faithful dachshund, Misty. John was preceded in death by his son Gregory John Nygard.

The family wishes to express special thanks to Buckner Villas for their care and understanding. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church on Woodrow Avenue in Austin, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home on North Lamar. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery at 2800 Hancock Drive in Austin, Texas with Pastor Brian Peterson officiating.