Gerald L. Rygh, 85, of North Aurora, Ill., passed away July 5, 2014. He was born Oct. 24, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa, son of the late Lars and Leah Rygh. Following graduation from East High School in Des Moines, he attended St. Olaf College (class of 1950), and Luther Theological Seminary (class of 1954), after which he was ordained June 6, 1954. Rev. Rygh later earned a doctorate from Luther Theological Seminary in 1982.

Pastor Rygh served parishes in Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, Ill., and following his retirement, as an assistant pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aurora. He also served for the past nine years as the Aurora Fire Department Chaplain. At the time of his death, he was a member and Pastor Emeritus at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He was committed to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was able to touch countless lives by showing genuine kindness, concern, and compassion to all.

He is survived by his wife, Maybelle “May” Sampson, whom he married the same year he was ordained and has just celebrated 60 years of marriage with; children, David Rygh ’78 and wife Sharon, Paul Rygh and wife Patti, and Rebekah Lehman and husband John S.; grandchildren, Leah Bohr and husband Doug, Nathan Rygh, Luke Rygh, Daniel Rygh, Kenny Rygh, Katy Rygh, Marin Lehman, Brynn Lehman, Jillian Lehman, and Anya Lehman; great-grandchildren, Avery Rygh, Odin Rygh, Ben, Evan, and Ellie Bohr; and his golden doodle, Charlie. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard and Malvin Rygh.

Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or Danny McCue Aurora Firefighters Scholarship Endowment Fund, c/o Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley in Aurora.