Arthur W Nystrom

Obituary of Arthur William Nystrom

1925-2024

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Arthur William Nystrom on November 7, 2024. Arthur was born on November 6, 1925, in Crosby, MN, to Andrew and Helga (Theorin) Nystrom. The day before his passing, Arthur celebrated his 99th birthday with his loved ones.

Arthur met the love of his life and beloved spouse, Lois Jean (Meyer) Nystrom, and spent 70 beautiful years of union together. They were married on April 24, 1954, at the First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd, MN.

After graduating from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1943, Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps at Fort Snelling, MN, on January 12, 1944. Arthur served valiantly as a member of our nation's Greatest Generation, holding the position of a Waist Gunner on a B24 Liberator within the 702nd Bomb Squadron, 445th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in Tibenham, England, during World War II. Arthur flew 35 combat missions from September 28, 1944, to April 20, 1945, under the leadership of Jimmy Stewart.

Arthur's most notable campaign participation was in the bombing of Royan, France, in 1945. As Allied forces worked to liberate France and secure key ports along the Atlantic coast, Royan was heavily fortified by German defenders, estimated to be nearly 30,000 strong. In March and April of 1945, Royan became the target of a series of bombing raids aimed at weakening Nazi defenses and preventing German reinforcements from reaching the vital port of Bordeaux. Arthur and the 702nd Bomb Squadron executed these raids, contributing to the destruction of German strongholds in the area. The campaign facilitated the eventual Allied victory in the region, and the German forces in Royan were forced to surrender in April 1945. Arthur was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal for his brave and meritorious service in this air campaign, the highest honor France bestows.

Arthur achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and, by the end of his service, had been additionally awarded the Air Medal with one Silver Cluster, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the Overseas Service Bar, and a Presidential Unit Citation. In the years after his courageous experiences in World War II, Arthur said, "War is hell. We need to avoid it at all costs."

Following his honorable discharge on October 15, 1945, Arthur returned to Brainerd. He received his education from Dunwoody College in Minneapolis, MN, where he earned a certification in Drafting. Arthur's natural talents of attention to detail, analytical thinking, and work ethic were honed into rich technical skills. He went on to serve the citizens of the Brainerd area as a Draftsman and Estimator, providing outstanding expertise and service for decades until his well-deserved retirement in February of 1989. Arthur maintained strong partnerships within the Brainerd community with membership at the American Legion, as a Boy Scouts of America Parent-Teacher, and as an Elder for the First Presbyterian Church.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Mother & Father, Andrew & Helga Nystrom; and brothers Lester, Wally, & Marvin Nystrom.

Survived by his wife, Lois; sons, Robert, Richard, & Brian Nystrom; seven grandchildren, & 20 great-grandchildren.

Halvorson Taylor Life Event Center, 512 South 8th Street, Brainerd, MN, 56401, is directing funeral services. The service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., a funeral from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., and a luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

May Staff Sergeant Arthur William Nystrom rest in peace with the Lord, surrounded by His eternal love and grace. With gratitude, we thank you for your exemplary commitment to our nation and legacy of courage.

Memorials are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Caring for Art and his family

Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home

Brainerd