Charles Harold Nygard

Charles Nygard, age 87, of Clifton Park, NY, passed away December 19, 2022 after a long illness. He was born July 28, 1935 to Harold and Mildred Nygard of Mt. Horeb, WI. After attending Beloit College, Charles took his Master’s degree in Sociology with the University of Wisconsin Madison. Relocating to New York in the early 1960s, Charles undertook graduate studies at NYU before accepting a position as Professor of Sociology with Ithaca College. Following that, he moved to Union College in Schenectady, NY, before joining the New York State Corrections Department as Chief Research Statistician, from which he retired in the mid 1990s. While there, Charles led evaluation of correctional program efficacy, and compliance with Federal Guidelines and Mandates, traveling to such scenic places as Attica and Sing Sing.

An avid model railroader, Charles was a member of Albany, NY, area railroad clubs and the Milwaukee Road society, traveling to railroad shows throughout the Northeast and Mid-West. His passion was created and fueled by memories of watching the trains pass through his hometown of Mount Horeb in his childhood.

A lifelong classical music buff, Charles never missed an opportunity to attend a concert. Whether it be the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood, the Metropolitan Opera, or the Albany Symphony, he would make sure to frequent as many venues and performances as possible. His favorite composers included Gustav Mahler, Richard Wagner, and Dmitri Shostakovich, although he was known for enthusiastically listening to almost anything Bernstein.

He also loved German food - bratwurst, sauerkraut and sauerbraten were amongst his favorites, perhaps harkening back to his childhood memories of his father, the butcher. He’d go out of his way to find a “good” German restaurant to enjoy the food, a good Weissbier, and some bratkartoffeln. His sour cream and cucumbers were a favorite at Thanksgiving or Christmas, and his homemade weinkraut was amazing.

In retirement he also pursued his interest in aviation, getting his pilot’s license and attending almost every Experimental Aviation Association meeting in Oshkosh for decades.

Charles is survived by his two sons, Andrew and Eric, and two granddaughters, Camille and Margaret.

Private services will be held at Union Cemetery in Mt. Horeb on March 25, 2023.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077