Richard "Rick" Nystad, age 71, of Gary, MN, died Tuesday, May 10, 2016, in Sanford Health, Fargo. Richard Curtis Nystad was born November 11, 1944, the son of Norman and Celia (Haddeland) Nystad in Spokane, WA, and shortly after, moved to Newtown, ND. At the age of five, Rick moved with his family to Gary where he grew up and attended school. Following his graduation from Gary High School with the class of 1962, Rick continued farming with his parents. On February 15, 1969, Richard united in marriage to Mavis Harms in Mahnomen, MN. The couple began their life together living in a tiny home in Mahnomen before moving to Moorhead where Rick studied refrigeration repair. After his mother suffered an injury, Rick and Mavis returned to Gary to help on the farm. They stayed to make their home there and farmed together until the mid-1980's. Rick worked for a time for Phoenix industries and the sugar beet piler near Ada, MN. He also held a real estate license and sold property for several years. For 15 years, Rick and Mavis owned and operated the Maytag Laundry and Car Wash in Mahnomen recently selling that and retiring full time. Rick enjoyed many outdoor activities. Among his favorites were golfing and deer hunting. He was also an avid fisherman, both in the summer and winter months. He and his family took many trips to Lake of the Woods and fished in several derbies. Over the years, they also made many memories camping. Rick and Mavis loved to dance, a gift they shared with the children and grandchildren, often laughing and dancing as a family in the kitchen. Rick also spent many hours playing cards, Poker being his favorite. He was a member of the Gary Lions Club and active with the St. Petri and later Ness Lutheran Church's. Most of all, he truly treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. Rick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mavis of Gary, MN; a son, Dan (Lori) Nystad of Crookston, MN; a daughter, Lisa Stevens (fiancé, Jonathan Eggers) of Fargo, ND; and four grandchildren: Cassie and Ally Stevens and Sarah (fiancé, Derek Ringdahl) and Jessica Nystad. He is preceded in death by his parents.