Isak Rye

ISAK RYE was born September 4, 1925 in Vestre Toten, Norway to Nils and Bertha [Muus] Rye. He was raised on the family farm in Norway. At the age of 22, Isak immigrated to the United States of America. He arrived in New York on June 21, 1948. He then moved to Luverne, Minnesota to reside on the farm with his uncle, Pete Nelson. In 1958, Isak met his future bride, Irmtraut “Trudy” Kondert, at the YWCA International Friendship Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple was united in marriage on July 29, 1961 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota. The couple resided in Luverne until 1969 when they purchased an acreage in Kanaranzi Township, Rock County, Minnesota. In 2000, they moved back to Luverne. Isak worked at AR Wood Manufacturing from 1950 to 1981. He also enjoyed working for Don Storaker at Storaker Drug while owning and operating his own saw sharpening business, Ike’s Saw Sharpening. He then worked as a janitor at Luverne Public Schools from 1982 until retiring in 1992. During his retirement, he and Trudy enjoyed traveling all over, including trips to Norway, Germany and Canada. On Thursday, November 16, 2017 Isak took hold of Jesus’ hand and entered into Heaven while at his home surrounded by family at the age of 92 years, two months and twelve days.

Isak was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church and member of Luther League. He was a lifetime member of the Sons of Norway. In his younger years, he enjoyed ski jumping. He also enjoyed traveling, sketching and photography. His great wit and good sense of humor will be remembered by his family and friends.

Isak is survived by his wife of 56 years, Trudy; son, Bruce Rye of Luverne; daughter, Idella Rye (special friend, Terry Hastings) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Jessica Rye (special friend, Jeremy Dobernecker), Jason (Crystal) Remme, Brian Remme, and Becky Jo (Curt) Nelson; five great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Dominic, Ayden, Duane, and Ezra; and two brothers, Syver Rye of Boverbru, Norway, and Knut (Karen) Rye of Reinsvoll, Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings, Nils Rye and Ingeborg Paulson.