Curt L. Tryggestad

Curt L. Tryggestad, 67, of Isle, MN formerly of Viroqua, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Curt was born on November 23, 1957, to Loren and Carol Tryggestad. He grew up helping on the Nottingham Ridge farm, attending church events, playing ball, exploring the woods, and fishing with his cousin Kevin. Curt attended Nottingham School for four years before moving to town school, where he began playing string bass, tuba, and refining his singing voice, eventually performing in the orchestra, choir, and band.

Curt was a talented musician and athlete. He starred in "Oklahoma," excelled as a vocal and instrumental soloist, and won multiple state awards for tuba and voice. In sports, he set the Viroqua shot put record and was an All-Conference football kicker. After high school, he attended Luther College to study music.

At Luther College, Curt played in the orchestra and his favorite group, the Luther College Concert Band under the direction of Fred Nyline. He served as Principal Tuba for four years and Vice President his senior year. He formed a lifelong bond with the Nyline family, spending many happy times with them in Decorah and Hinckley, MN, as they considered him part of their family. After graduating, Curt enjoyed a fulfilling career as a band director for ten years in Hinckley and six years in Viroqua, while also coaching football and track.

In 1989, while teaching in Hinckley, Curt met and married Cathy, the love of his life. Together, they supported each other’s dreams, embraced new experiences, and built a life full of adventure. After both recently retiring, they traveled the world, cruising to Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. One of Curt’s greatest joys was fulfilling a lifelong dream by visiting Tryggestad, Norway, with Cathy, Niki, and Nels—a truly unforgettable experience. When not traveling, Curt loved living on Mille Lacs Lake, often saying retirement was the best job he ever had.

Dr. Tryggestad had a distinguished 40-year career in education, serving as a band director, principal, and superintendent. He was recognized as the 2010 Administrator of Excellence for Region 8, the 2015 Richard Green Scholar, and in 2017 the Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. He led statewide educational organizations, pioneered iPad integration in schools, and earned awards for bullying prevention programs. In 2017, he became Executive Director of the Perpich Center for the Arts, supporting arts education across Minnesota. He retired in 2021 after a lifetime of leadership and service in education.

He was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and later the NDSU Bison football team. He loved singing with the men’s gospel quartet, The Deacon Brothers and Sister Carol, in Pine City. 

Curt is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; his mother, Carol Tryggestad; his children, Jamie Rank, Tony (Heather) Rank, Niki (Jake Reins) Tryggestad, and Nels (Marissa Johnson) Tryggestad; and his grandson, TJ Rank. He is also survived by his siblings Laurie Hansen, Lisa (Curtis) Rogers, and Cory (Michelle) Tryggestad; eight nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews; a large extended family; and a multitude of close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Loren, and his grandparents, Willard and Ony Tryggestad and Harry and Frieda Bluske. May God rest their souls.

The family would like to convey a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Abbott Northwestern Hospital especially Dr. Hubbard and Dr. Ragen for their care and comfort throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Luther College Music Department in Curt's memory.  http://givenow.luther.edu  *Note Curt's name in the Recognition/In Memory section.

A Memorial Service is being held Friday, May 9, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua at 3 p.m.  A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until time of service.  Burial to follow in the Viroqua 

Curt's service can be viewed at...

http://www.facebook.com/viroqua.immanuel

http://www.immanuel-lc.org/

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLbooBnUd8&t=250s

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is honored to serve the family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.