Mark Alan Rygaard, 53, of Hiawatha, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, May 13, 2016.

Mark was born to Wayne and Janet Worrel in Meriden, Kansas, September 2, 1962. Growing up he lived in both Kansas and Port Angeles, WA. He graduated from Effingham High School in 1980 and later the Goodland technical school as a diesel technician.

Many of his younger years were spent fishing and working on his family fish farm. Mark married Regina Scheopner on June 4, 1983 and of this union came three children. Mark worked his whole life as a diesel technician. He presently worked for Lang Diesel in Sabetha. Mark loved helping his customers and they were like family to him. We often joked he was married to his farmers. He enjoyed spending time with his children and three grandchildren and they meant the world to him. Among his favorites were camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking and going to Colorado. He was Mr. Fix it and enjoyed remodeling the family home fixing the cars all while teaching his children how it’s done. He was looking forward to walking his daughter down the aisle in November.

Mark is survived by his wife Regina and his three grandchildren: Mylia, Abigail, and Noah Rygaard of the home. His children: Justin Rygaard (finace’ Michele Yost) of Horton, Christopher Rygaard of Hiawatha, Brittany Rygaard (finace’ Jake Oaks) of Horton. His parents Wayne and Janet Rygaard of Effingham, a brother Eric Rygaard, sisters Mary Flynn, Bonny Cassella, both of Topeka; several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his brother Kevin Rygaard, grandparents: Gene and Pearl Rygaard, Ruthanna and Bob Derr.

A Prayer Service will be held Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, with Reverend Michael Dunaway officiating. Following the prayer service, the family will visit with friends until 8 p.m. Cremation will follow with private family inurnment to be held at later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to his grandchildren’s education and expenses which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St. , 66434. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com