OBIT:

Jens Kristian Nygaard (JK), 92, died on April 24, 2001. Jens was born on April 29, 1908 at Sixprong (near Bickleton) to Carl and Hansine (Nielsen) Nygaard. He was raised and educated with his five brothers and three sisters in Sixprong (Klickitat County).

Jens was a staff sergeant in the Army Air Force from December 1941 to October 1945 and was discharged at Fort Lewis. He then moved to Yakima and went to work for Riverside Sand and Gravel. He later moved to Yakima Cement Products as a heavy equipment operator and was involved in road construction throughout Washington State. He was a member of Operating Engineers Union, Local 302 for 55 years until his retirement in 1973.

Jens married Mable Johnson in 1948 and they enjoyed 53 of marriage together. Jens was a longtime member of the Selah Covenant Church and loved his Lord greatly and quietly. He was a gentleman who respected all people with unconditional love. Children knew he was accepting of them and were drawn to him like a magnet. Jens was a soft-spoken man with a giant heart. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours traveling, camping, and fishing with friends and relatives.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mable; brother, Alfred; sister, Marie Ray; sisters-in-law Nita Hillstrom and Marlene Nygaard; numerous nieces and nephews; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday at Keith and Keith Funeral Home and again on Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., April 27, at the Selah Covenant Church (103 North First Street in Selah). Concluding services and burial will follow in West Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jen's name to: Selah Covenant Youth Ministry or the American Heart Association.

Ellensburg Daily Record, April 27, 2001