Louella Nygaard

Louella Marie (Yost) Nygaard was born on October 26, 1954, to Bernard and Anna Yost in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. She was the middle child of nine siblings. She attended elementary school (grades 1–6) in Cohasset, Minnesota, and grades 7–12 in Grand Rapids, graduating in 1973.

Louella continued her education at Itasca Community College for two years before pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher at St. Cloud State University, where she earned her degree in K–12 Special Education.

She then started her teaching career. It was there that Louella found the love of her life, Jim. The two were married in Grand Rapids in August 1979.

Their teaching careers brought them to Forsyth, Montana, before they eventually moved to Colstrip, where Louella taught for an additional 21 years. After retiring from their teaching careers, Jim and Louella moved to Alaska to begin a new adventure together.

While in Alaska, Louella worked as a community specialist in Thorne Bay and also served as a temporary teacher. Her next adventure took her to Cordova, Alaska, where she continued doing what she loved by teaching special education and speech.

Although Louella loved teaching, she retired in 2010 and returned to Montana to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Jim remained in Alaska for an additional eight years before joining her in MT. 

Her years in Billings gave Louella time to enjoy some of her favorite things, including crafting, sewing, and, most importantly, watching her grandchildren grow. These years brought her opportunities to enjoy family and the simple joys of life beyond the classroom.

Louella is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Jim; her daughter, Melissa (Chase); her son, Jameson (Kailee); and her beloved grandchildren, Ashlyn, Blaine, Baylee, and Tripp. She also leaves behind her extended family and the many students and friends whose lives she touched throughout her years of teaching.

In keeping with her generous spirit and desire to make a difference, Louella chose to donate her body to science in hopes of contributing to the discovery of a cure for diabetes.

At Louella’s request, no services are scheduled at this time.

Louella had the biggest heart and a special gift for making education fun. She touched many lives through her kindness, creativity, and dedication to teaching.

In her memory, those who wish to honor Louella are invited to paint a rock or two—something she truly enjoyed—and leave them in a special place. It is a simple, heartfelt way to celebrate her life, spread a little joy, and remember a woman who made the world brighter for those around her.

We hope every painted rock left in her memory brings a smile to her face in heaven.