Rhoda-Nyberg-Obituary

Rhoda Enstrom Nyberg

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CHARITY
American Heart Association

Obituary

Nyberg, Rhoda Enstrom age 95, Grand Rapids, formerly of Coleraine, passed away at Diamond Willow, February 21, 2012. She was born on February 10, 1917, the fourth child of Eric and Esther Enstrom of Bovey, Minnesota. Rhoda was born above her father's photography studio, where he took the world famous "Grace" picture. She graduated from Greenway High School and Itasca Junior College in Coleraine and the Pepin School of Fashion Design in Minneapolis. She subsequently worked for Minnesota Woolen of Duluth designing dresses. It was during this time that her father called her home to help him in his photographic studio. It was there that she learned the art of hand coloring black and white or sepia photographs and began coloring the "Grace" picture with heavy oils. The colored pictures were received well and sales of the picture soared. Rhoda's coloring was used on the prints by Augsburg Publishing, which began production when Enstrom Studio could not keep up with demand. The colored version has been designated the official picture of the state of Minnesota. Rhoda married Vincent Nyberg in 1941 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bovey. Rhoda was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-three years, Vincent Nyberg, by her parents, Eric and Esther Enstrom, her sisters, Margaret Olson, Elva Price, and Lois Berendts, her brother, Roger Enstrom, and infant son, Eric. She is survived by her children, Kris (Jim) Mayerle, Kent (Wendy) Nyberg, all of rural Bovey, Kim (Jodie) Nyberg of Minnetonka; grandchildren, Cheryl (Matt) Louis, Jamie Mayerle, Erika Mayerle, Sonja and Kara Nyberg, Kristian, Britta, and Anders Nyberg; great-grandchildren, Joe and Claire Louis; brother, Warren Enstrom; brother-in law and sister-in-law, Arthur and Carol Toms; many beloved nieces and nephews, and a devoted dog, Mora. Rhoda was an active member of the Coleraine community. She was a life-long member of the First United Church, where she served as an elder and deacon, a member of the Coleraine Women's Club, the Coleraine Historical Society, and the Itasca Art Association. She was also a Cub Scout den mother. She became a well known Iron Range artist, focusing on oils, water colors, and historical prints. Most of all, Rhoda was a loving and devoted mother. She loved entertaining and set a beautiful table with her China. A memorial service and a celebration of her life and that of her sister, Lois Berendts, who passed away in January, will be held this summer. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine. Arrangements by Peterson Funeral Chapel, Coleraine, phone 218-245-1441. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, First United Church of Coleraine, or to any worthy charity of the donor's choice. Many thanks for the wonderful care and attention she received from the staff of Diamond Willow, where she was treated like family. Mom, you will be deeply missed.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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By far, my favorite painting of all time

I found the grace picture in a thrift store in urbana virginia for $5.00. I loved it at first sight. I saw the signature at the bottom and decided to do some research about it. Im so happy I did. Looking at the picture makes me feel a since of peace. Im so sorry for your loss.

I grew up listening to the story of Erics photo and Rhoda's painting. My grandfather Lawrence Enstrom was always telling us we had a famous relative in the states. I thought he was kidding of course, but later on found out he wasn't. My grandfather passed away when I was 18. I am now a professional photographer myself and I think I owe a lot of that to those stories and family creativeness. I am sad to hear of Rhoda's passing, but it definitely sounds like she lead a full life. Our...

My parents had this wonderful painting in their dining room. A meal was never eaten without a blessing being said. Each time I look at this art, I think of the steadfast faith it represents, and the wonderful parents I had who stuck by their beliefs. My prayers for the survivors and friends of this lovely lady.

We wish to send our condolences. Rhoda was an elegant lady with a great sense of humor.

We met Vince & Rhoda at a Mayors function in the 70's and made a point to seek them out every year during my terms as the Mayor of Big Lake.

The evenings were normally concluded with a night-cap and a lot of laughs! It was a privilege to know them both.

Sincerely,

Steve & Phyllis Heath
Big Lake, MN

So nice to know the story of a picture that has been so precious to me. Thanks. Many thanks.

Several years ago I seen this picture in a very quaint amish cafe in Barnwell,SC and had to have one like it. It still hangs on my wall today. Only a good and decent soul could make such a beautiful and meaningful portrait to give to the world. I know you are all proud. My sympathies to you at your great loss. D Hucks, Conway SC

One of my all time favorite pictures. My prayers with the family.

IN MEMORY OF RHODA NYBERG