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Lyla Jystad

Lyla Jystad, 83, Rochester, MN formerly of Dilworth, died August 12, 2010 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.

Lyla June Larson, the daughter of Theodore and Esther (Boraas) Larson, was born on March 7, 1927 in Wanamingo, MN. She grew up in Wanamingo and began working at her father’s drug store at the age of six. Lyla proudly completed high school and attended college. In 1949, she graduated from Augsburg College earning her BA degrees in music, education and biology. She began her teaching career in Evansville, MN where she worked for two years and then taught at Groveland Elementary School in Minnetonka, MN for the following two years. On August 25, 1951, Lyla was united in marriage to Torgney Jystad. The couple made their first home in Eagle Bend, MN, where Torgney served as pastor of five congregations. Throughout the years, Lyla and Torgney served many parishes including Morris/Donnelly/Cyrus; Christ the King Lutheran, Moorhead, Bethlehem Lutheran, Ulen, and later Faith Lutheran, Delavan. Upon retirement, they returned to a country home near Ulen to make their permanent residence. Torgney, with Lyla at his side, continued to serve as visitation pastor for Grace Lutheran in Ada. Following Torgney’s death in 2000, Lyla remained at home for about a year at which time she moved to Dilworth, MN. She continued to make her home there until 2008 when she moved into Fairmont Care Center, later Eventide in Moorhead, and most recently, Sunrise Cottages of Rochester. Lyla was passionate about her faith and her music. Over the years she worked closely with Torgney helping with his ministry by teaching Bible School, Sunday School, and directing various choirs. Lyla also taught piano lessons as well as playing for church and various other events. She loved to cook for her family and was a talented baker, known for her pies. Lyla greatly enjoyed the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. For many years, Lyla also helped educate children within the Dilworth Elementary School working with the Foster Grandparents Program. She was proud to be called “Grandma Lyla” by so many little ones. Lyla truly treasured her family, her friends, and the Lord.

Blessed be the Memory of Lyla Jystad

Lyla is survived by three sons: John of Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Philip (Shelly) of Jamestown, ND, and Steve (Sue) of Zumbrota, MN; one daughter, Ellen (Bryan) Green of Dilworth; and ten grandchildren; Maren (and husband Ben), Matthew, Leah, Jenna, Dana, Nick, Turi, Siri, Torger, and Inga. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Esther; her husband, Torgney; one daughter, Mary Esther; one sister, Ellen Ione; and one brother, Ted.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in the Dilworth Lutheran Church at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:30 until 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm in the church. Pastors Mark Asleson and Terry Anderson officiated. Carol Lockhart served as organist with Maren Jystad-Spar and Sue Jystad singing. The pallbearers were all of her grandchildren and the honorary pallbearers were the Dilworth Elementary Staff and students and also the past and present members of the cognations that she and Torgney served. Interment will be at Bethlehem North Cemetery in Ulen.

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