James Nyberg

James H. “Jim” Nyberg, DDS, age 90, of Yankton, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at the Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton. Visitation will be held Friday June 5, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton and then one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial service will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton with Rev. Jeff Otterman officiating. Members of the Army South Dakota National Guard Honor Guard will fold and present the family with an American flag. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Livestreaming of James’ memorial service can be viewed at https://server.attend.live/static/event/o2AxA.

Jim was born on March 27, 1936, in Yankton to Harold and Norine Nyberg. He was baptized, confirmed, and later married at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he remained a devoted member throughout his life. He attended Yankton Public Schools and graduated from Yankton High School in 1953. After two years at Yankton College, he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Olaf College in 1957.

In 1957, Jim married Marilyn Tunberg, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in shared love of music, family, and community. After a year working for Prudential Insurance Company in Minneapolis, he returned to school and graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1963. That same year, he joined the United States Army Dental Corps and served three years in Germany, where he and Marilyn lived with their two young children, Solveig and Paul.

Upon returning to Yankton in 1966, Jim established his dental practice, serving the community with dedication and care until his retirement in 1999. He remained active in his profession throughout his career, holding membership in numerous organizations including the South Dakota Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Society of Dentistry for Children. He also contributed 25 years as a dental examiner for the Central Regional Dental Testing Service, retiring in 2008.

Jim was deeply committed to Yankton, carrying on the legacy of the Nyberg’s who have been an integral part of the community since the 1870’s. He served on many boards and committees, including Community Concerts, United Way, Lewis and Clark Theatre, the American Cancer Society, the Yankton County Historical Society, and fundraising efforts for the Mead Building and the Auld-Brokaw Trail. He was a dedicated member of the Yankton Rotary Club for over 50 years and a past president, and he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Music was a lifelong passion. Jim studied piano with Mabel and Herbert Donaldson, Lewis Hamvas, and studied harpsichord during his time in Germany. After retiring from dentistry, he found great joy in practicing and teaching piano alongside Marilyn, taking pride in the accomplishments of his students. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church choirs and shared his musical gifts by playing for services, especially during a time when the church was without an organ.

A formative moment in Jim’s youth came during a prolonged bout of rheumatic fever that confined him to bed for four months as a high school freshman. During that time, a young Hungarian pianist, Ervin Laszlo, performed privately for him in his home—an experience that deeply inspired Jim’s musical journey. Throughout his life, he continued to share music with his family, including accompanying his daughter Solveig in her violin studies at Yankton College and later in performances with the River City Musicale. In recognition of their musical contributions, Jim and Marilyn were inducted into both Yankton High School’s and Mount Marty University’s Fine Arts Halls of Fame.

Jim greatly enjoyed bicycling and he and Marilyn did bike tours of Vermont and France. Beginning with a 50-mile bike ride for their 50th wedding anniversary, they celebrated their next 12 anniversaries by adding a mile for each year. Cross-country skiing was another favorite activity when snow was available. He cherished travel with Marilyn, visiting family, friends and former exchange students across Europe, Scandinavia, Brazil and Mexico. You could always count on Jim for a good joke, especially Ole and Lena jokes delivered in his inimitable “Norwegian” accent.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Marilyn Nyberg of Yankton; daughter, Solveig Nyberg of Gresham, OR; sister, Lynda (Tom) Angelis of Minneapolis, MN; daughter-in-law, Brenda Nyberg of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Kelda (Erik) Fairleigh, Erik (Melissa) Akert, Karena (Roy) Prescott, Alek Nyberg, Cloey (Jackson) Brehm; four great-grand-children, and other cherished family members. He was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Paul F. Nyberg; parents, Harold and Norine Nyberg; and brother, David Nyberg.

Memorials to consider: Trinity Lutheran Church, 403 Broadway Ave., Yankton, SD 57078; Mead Museum, 82 Mickelson Dr., Yankton; the Paul Frederick Nyberg Memorial Scholarship, Mead 414 East Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069; National Music Museum, 414 East Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069.

Jim’s life was marked by service, dedication, and a deep appreciation for music, family, and community. He will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet commitment to excellence, and the many lives he touched.