Glenn Rygg

Glenn Rygg

August 8, 1944 – June 1, 2018

Glenn Rygg, 73, died June 1, 2018, with his sons by his side in Devils Lake, ND.

Glenn was born on August 8^th, 1944 to Conrad and Helen (Aasen) Rygg in Clifford, ND.

Glenn started his music teaching career in Fessenden, ND in 1966. In 1975, he moved his family to Rugby, ND and taught music until 1981. After a 2 year hiatus in Texas, he moved to Rolla, ND to again teach music in 1983. In 1987, he made his final career move to Devils Lake, ND. For 29 years, Glenn directed the Devils Lake Community Elks Band.

His teaching career ended a few months prior to his planned retirement when in January of 2007, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. No, “2007” is not a typo, and this obituary is not 11 years old. He was cleared of cancer in May of 2007. In April of 2009, his doctors told him not to come back because the cancer was gone and wasn’t coming back.

Glenn went by many names: Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa, Mr. Rygg, Elvis. He wore many hats: Father, Teacher, Mentor, Life Coach, Ambassador, and Comedian. He was always willing to help a friend or a stranger, and always had a smile to greet you.

Glenn is survived by his 2 sons, Jon Rygg & Angela Montez (San Antonio, TX), and Jason & Beth Rygg (Sioux Falls, SD); sisters Dianne & Dan Kaldor (Conroe, TX), Esther Rygg (Bismarck, ND), and Meryl & Lloyd McKenna (Lewistown, MT); brother Duane & Crystal Rygg (St. Paul, MN); sisters-in-law Marlene Rygg (Colorado Springs, CO), Sue & Bruce Vanzo (Rhinelander, WI); several nieces & nephews; grandchildren Tyler, Shanna, Kyle, Zackery, & JoElle.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad & Helen Rygg, and brothers Lowell Rygg & Marlan Rygg.

To celebrate Glenn’s life, there will be a gathering and family and friends on June 16^th, 2018, in Devils Lake, ND at Roosevelt Park starting at 2:00pm. The celebration will include music, sharing stories and memories of Glenn. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to make a donation to the Glenn Rygg Memorial Music Scholarship Fund.