Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Bryce Risser Obituary
Bryce was born the second of four children to Ruby and Roland Risser on November 6, 1943, in Valley City, North Dakota. For Bryce, growing up in Valley City held magic and memories only a small town on the plains of North Dakota could provide; and no matter the many places life took him, he always fiercely and fondly called Valley City home.
Bryce graduated from Valley City High School in 1962, attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and briefly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged and remained a proud American.
During his lifetime, Bryce expressed his creativity, intelligence, and passion for life in the varied vocations and hobbies he undertook and engaged in, all in the full-throttle way which he immersed himself in the things he loved. Bryce was a supremely gifted creative who wrote lyrics, music, essays, and poetry, played several instruments well, and sang with a clear, rich baritone voice. He also sketched, painted, and created culinary masterpieces. He could even tie a beautiful fly fishing lure. Bryce was an avid outdoorsman and nature lover who could identify waterfowl by their wing beat and who allowed his breath and imagination to be caught by every rainbow he saw.
Bryce is survived by his son, Nathan (Sara), and his daughter, Laura (Stan), three grandsons, four granddaughters, sisters Judy (Hugo V.) and JoAnne (Ken), cherished nieces and nephews, former wife, LaRon, and countless dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roland, his mother, Ruby, his brother, David, and several beloved four-legged hunting partners.
A memorial service and celebration of Bryce's life will be held on a date to be announced. Please feel free to send messages of memory and tribute to [email protected] so that Bryce will live on in the very things that captured his heart and imagination: stories.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bryce Risser
Sherry Skjefte Falk Dahl
May 5, 2022
I know this is way late but I just found this. Our sympathies even at this time. I worked with Bryce at KOVC radio station in Valley city. He was always so kind always had a smile always had a positive word always protective just a very godly man. I appreciated him in every way.
Sharon Guertin
January 23, 2017
Many fond memories of Bryce growing up in Valley City. The NuBeats were a part of our life in high school. Condolences to his loved ones.
Annie Horne
December 31, 2016
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
C Janes
December 30, 2016
My condolences to your family at this time. May the God of all comfort "bind up the brokenhearted", and bring you good news about His kingdom. Isaiah 61:1,2
Karl Lehto
December 28, 2016
I met Bryce more than 50 years ago as classmates and fellow guitarists at St. Olaf collage in Minnesota. I had attempted to contact him in recent years just to reminisce our friendship and our music together in those days so long ago but was unsuccessful. We had good times together. To the family, best wishes at this sad time.
From his Canadian friend, Karl Lehto
December 28, 2016
I'm very sorry for your loss. Some days or moments may be more challenging than others, but God cares for you and will help you.
Nathan
December 27, 2016
Condolences to all the family. May we all keep close in mind and heart the many fond and fun memories of Bryce. Look to the God of comfort and peace. He will sustain us.
December 21, 2016
Sending my sincere condolences to the family. May the God of comfort give you strength and peace during these difficult times. Psalm 29:11
Brenda Regouski
December 18, 2016
My dearest Bydie,
I miss you so much!! My heart is broken:( From the first day we met you had my heart!! Everyday is consumed with thought of you!! I am thankful for the time we had together.Im a better person because of you! You have taught me so much about life.Your creativity and music will forever live on. I miss our singing and your playing your Brenda Blue Baby guitar. I awake every morning and look at my phone to see if you had texted me and a tear fills my eye when I realize you are gone.Rest in peace Bydie! I will ALWAYS love you! My deepest sympathy goes out to Nathan and Laura! and of course LaRon. Bydie always talked so greatly of you! Just because you are gone, you will never be forgotten ! I love you !
LUELLA SCHULZ MIKES
December 15, 2016
We lived next door to the Risser family when we first moved to Valley City...I also heard him practice with his band many times.. He was always very musically inclined... May you rest in peace and play some beautiful music up in heaven for your mom, dad, and david...
Diane Hughes
December 15, 2016
Bryce was my next door neighbor all through high school in Valley City, ND. He loved music and formed the NuBeats during that time. I heard the group practicing nearly every day from the Risser's garage. He was a friend and a kind soul.
Barbara Sheppard Lang
December 14, 2016
Bryce lived in my neighborhood when we were both very young, and was a friend from kindergarten through high school. We are so very sorry to learn of his passing, and send our thoughts to his family.
Dennis Gillund
December 14, 2016
Barb and I send our condolences. Great memories for the both of us. Know you are playing away on your guitar now so rest in peace!
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Bryce Risser's name
Memorial Events
for Bryce Risser
How to support Bryce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bryce Risser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
