William "Bill" Rygg

   William (Bill) Harold Rygg, 65, of Portland, ND, passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2024.

   William was born March 30,1959 in Mayville, ND, the son of Harold and Barbara (Fugleberg) Rygg.  He was raised on the family farm in Steele County. He went to school in Portland, when the schools consolidated, he attended and graduated from May-Port in 1977. William attended Rainy River Community College in International Falls where he played basketball for two years. 

   After college William returned to the family farm where he farmed until 1987. He married Peggy Aasen (Braaten) in 1984, gaining three stepchildren, Jessica, Joshua, and JoDee. A year later they welcomed their daughter, JoAnna Grace.   After marriage he spent 10 years custom combining, until he found his life passion with long haul trucking.

   In 2000, he married Tami Oelrich, adding two sons, Chase William and Austin Thomas. They lived on their farmstead in Steele County. Together they owned and operated Rygg Trucking, along with long hauling on his own.  

   Over the last 15 years William was on his own as an owner/operator for Rygg Trucking. He thoroughly enjoyed long haul trucking. Driving to him was second nature. Most recent years his route would take him from one coast to the other, ultimately making Missouri his home as it was just off “his route”. He was known by his broker as one of the most experienced and reliable drivers.

   William is survived by his mother: Barbara Rygg; daughter: JoAnna Lonski of Bismarck ND and her children: Rylie, Parker and Aubree; sons: Chase Rygg of Williston, ND and Austin Rygg of Northwood, ND; sisters: Condetta Ness and Nadine Rygg; brothers: James (Kathy) Rygg and Marius (Lisa) Rygg and many nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his father: Harold E. Rygg and both sets of grandparents.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Friday, May 3, 2024 with a 6:30 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Bang Lutheran Church in rural Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Bang Cemetery in rural Portland, ND.