Russ Olin Nyhaug

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Russell Olin Nyhaug, age 89, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Baltic, passed away on Monday February 20, 2017, at the Sanford Centennial Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, February 23, 2017, at Baltic Lutheran Church in Baltic, SD. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Make A Wish Foundation of South Dakota, Baltic Lutheran Church, or the Baltic Fire Department.

Russ was born on January 22, 1928 in Volin, South Dakota, to Chris and Helen (Vognild) Nyhaug. He grew up near Volin and graduated from Volin High School. He married Norma G. Peterson on March 1, 1950 in Volin. After his marriage he farmed in the Volin area until attending diesel mechanic school in Chicago.  Russ’s career as a diesel mechanic took him all over the state. He and Norma lived in Kadoka, White River, Murdo, and Ft. Pierre. Russ worked on the western South Dakota missile bases, and the Oahe Dam. The couple finally settled in Baltic in 1964. Russ worked for the Baltic Coop Lumberyard, Tom Jordan Trucking in Sioux Falls, and finally Kearns Machinery/Butler Machinery in Sioux Falls until his retirement in January of 1991.

Russ was a very active and avid supporter of the Baltic community. He was a past Mayor of Baltic, and a retired member of the Baltic Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the Baltic Lutheran Church, and the Sons of Norway. He enjoyed home carpentry, fishing, and vacations (which included two trips to Norway). But most of all he was a devoted family man and friend.

Survivors include his wife, Norma, Sioux Falls, sons: Steven (Teri) Nyhaug, Sioux Falls, Jeffrey (Jane) Nyhaug, Sioux Falls, and John (Connie) Nyhaug, Viborg; six grandchildren: Erik (Shawna), Sarah (Benjamin) Lehman, Jason, Adam, Amanda, and Michelle (Jake) Swanstrom; six great-grandchildren: Kaleb, Tiegen, Warren, Camryn, Kaelynn, and Avery; three step-great grandchildren: Justin, Ty, and Colton Haneke; brother, Harold (Peggy) Nyhaug, sister, Helen (Brad) Christine Dunbar, sister-in-law, Esther Klemmensen, brother-in-law, Harold Peterson, and many nieces and nephews . He was preceded in death by his parents.