Calvin Dale Nyhof

Calvin Dale Nyhof, 80, arrived at his long awaited final home on January 22, 2022.  Cal was born in Platte, South Dakota on September 23, 1941, the fourth of six children of Rev. Henry & Vivian (Kooi) Nyhof.  He spent his childhood in the South Dakota towns of Platte, Lakeview, Fairview, and Watertown.  He attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, where he graduated with a BA degree in Elementary Education and also met Kathryn Westenberg.  Later, he earned his MA degree from the University of South Dakota – Vermillion. 

Cal & Kathy married on August 13, 1964, and moved shortly after to Dulce, New Mexico, where they both taught in the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.  Both daughters, Kerri and Connie, were born in New Mexico.  Cal moved his family 3 more times: to Maple Lake, MN, Menomonee, MI, and West Bend, WI.  After 15 years of teaching in a classroom, Cal spent the last 24 years of his working career at Cedar Lake Home, where he retired in 2004.  Cal & Kathy moved to Stoughton, WI, in 2015.

Above all, Cal was a man of faith.  He was very involved in the churches that he attended, often serving in leadership positions.  Upon retirement, Cal & Kathy traveled around the world, usually spending a portion of each trip volunteering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

Family was a priority for Cal.  He forged a strong relationship with his daughters and grandchildren, spending individual time with each one when they were young, taking each on adventures on his motorcycle, and making up games tailored to that child’s interests.  In 1980, Cal started a family time capsule which is to be opened and re-sealed every ten years.  His legacy also includes family guessing games, usually done at Christmastime.  He also appreciated the extended family, especially enjoying the biennial Nyhof campouts.  Cal’s personality was one of a gifted teacher.  He was patient and kind and would give each person the attention needed to make them feel special.

Cal was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Rev. Harlan Nyhof and Rolyn Nyhof, and siblings-in-law Brendine Nyhof, John Wurpts, Gertrude Westenberg, Wesley Westenberg, and Lydia Westenberg.

Cal is survived by his wife, Kathy, two daughters, Kerri Nyhof (Eric Niksch) and Connie (Ben) Weisse, two grandchildren, Mikaela Weisse (Daniel Johnson) and Jonah Weisse, his siblings Verla (Rev. Wayne) Joosse, Gordon Nyhof (Rachel Cain-Nyhof), and Rosie Wurpts, his siblings-in-law Diane Nyhof, Abe Westenberg, Marianne Westenberg, as well as many nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Agrace Hospice for their support.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org.

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