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Rhoda Nyberg Obituary
Eric Enstrom took the photo, displayed in homes and churches nationwide, at his studio in Bovey, Minn., in 1918. Enstrom's daughter, Rhoda Nyberg, brought the photo to life and widespread distribution with her colorization.
Nyberg died Tuesday at a nursing home near Proctor.
She was born above her father's photography studio a year before he took "Grace." After college and a stint working at Minnesota Woolen, Nyberg returned to her father's photo studio and began coloring black and white photos with heavy oil.
Nyberg's daughter, Kris Mayerle, said her mother's painting preceded the introduction of color photography.
"She brought color into the photos before there was color photography," said Mayerle, who remembers her mother having photos strewn across the dining room table during her childhood.
Nyberg didn't just color her father's photography and graduation and wedding photos. She painted originals of flowers, landscapes and other subjects in watercolor and oil at her Bass Lake home near Bovey.
"I thought all mothers painted all day," Mayerle said.
Nyberg's coloring was used on the prints by Augsburg Publishing, which bought the rights to "Grace" in the early 1950s, according to her son, Kent Nyberg.
The colored version of the photo was designated the official picture of the state of Minnesota in 2002.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
41 Entries
Ellery Krueger
December 5, 2014
By far, my favorite painting of all time
Donna Welchons
April 27, 2014
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.
Judi Enstrom
January 29, 2014
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 condolences to the family.
And in case anyone's curious, I don't know the family history, but I know that Eric was a great great great uncle to myself. I need to sit down with
My uncles and get more family history.
Diane Wuthrich
March 5, 2012
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.
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March 1, 2012
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
Kit Sober
February 29, 2012
So nice to know the story of a picture that has been so precious to me. Thanks. Many thanks.
February 29, 2012
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
Robbin
February 29, 2012
One of my all time favorite pictures. My prayers with the family.
Victoria VZj
February 29, 2012
IN MEMORY OF RHODA NYBERG
Barb C
February 29, 2012
That portrait was in our home for years, my mother loved it...my deepest sympathy in your time of loss.
VAC
February 28, 2012
A word of comfort for the family. "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots." (Psalms 147:3)
Janet Hammond
February 28, 2012
Years ago, I bouhgt a needle point picture, that you had to do, and it was of this painting of the old man giving grace at the table. My daughter finnished it for me she lives in Anchorage, Ak. and sent this artical that was in the paper there. This has been hanging in my home for many years...it's on of my favirite pictures.May God bless you for remembering such a great artist.RIP Rhoda.
February 28, 2012
May the memory of your love one flourish on as you think of the wonderful work she accomplished and may you be comforted in knowing God cares for you and will see you through this difficult time.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
February 28, 2012
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE NYBERG FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS,&ALL WHO KNEW MRS. NYBERG.
Peter Breitholtz
February 28, 2012
I recently bought it at a Salvation Army in Owatonna during short jail stint for drinking. What a blessing. Besides discovering the temple menorah that I used for my first hanukkah, i found your painting and put it in a suitcase I found too and planned to bring it to Brooklyn where I would teach again. That hasn't happened yet, but what once hung on Myrtle's wall in central Minnesota, now remains published at my blog and sits in my room. It's all I have left in a sense and it's enough. Thank you so much and you'll be remembered.
Pamela
February 28, 2012
'Grace' was first viewed by me in the home of an elderly friend in the 1970's and appreciated so much then. I recently married a man who has this picture and it hangs in our kitchen above our table today. It is a great comfort and a pleasure we enjoy daily. I never knew the story or where it came from until now. Thank you and may you know the comfort and peace that this picture gives in the days to come in your loss! Pamela Reynolds
February 28, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss. May God give you serenity as you deal with these trying times.
February 28, 2012
Your Mother was truly a gifted lady - especially for her time. Always loving the picture of the elderly man praying - I never knew the steps involved in making it. Your Mom had her own "place in history". Deepest sympathy to you all - but may the remembrance that her "parting" is only temporary - since one day we all have the chance to meet again. God bless.
Linda Masella
February 28, 2012
May your family find comfort in knowing how much beauty and comfort others recieve just looking at this beautiful picture. I have had mine, in a wooden frame for over 40 years. It has been hanging in my dining room since I got it. God Bless Rhoda and God Bless all her family and loved ones.
Shannon E.
February 28, 2012
I have this picture in my kitchen. I look at it often and feel such peace. I hope One of my kids will do the same.
Tom Smith
February 28, 2012
May the God of all comfort, comfort the family and friends of Rhoda Nyberg. God is close to those lonely at heart, And those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Anita Edwards
February 28, 2012
This picture has been passed down through my family for years..It hung on the wall of my grandmother's home...it now hangs on my mother's wall and I also have one...It was so nice to finally know who the original artist was..but sorry to hear of her passing...May God bless you all!
February 28, 2012
My condolences to the Nyberg family. God comforts the mourning. May you have solace in knowing Rhoda is resting. Isaiah 61:2
Heather Loving
February 28, 2012
The picture "Grace" means the world to me. It has been passed down to me from my grandparents because as a child I always said that the man in the picture was my grandpa and to this day I still think it resembles him (RIP grandpa). It's an amazing picture. May the lord bless your family during this time of loss. May she rest in peace.
February 28, 2012
TO THE NYBERG FAMILY AT PSALMS 90:10 IN THEMSELVES THE DAYS OF OUR YEARS ARE SEVENTY YEARS AND IF BECAUSE OF SPECIAL MIGHTINESS THEY ARE EIGHTY YEARS, RHODA NYBERG WAS ONE OF THE MIGHTY ONES.
Amy B
February 28, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This picture also hangs in the home of my parents. I have always loved the simple praying before the meal. May you all be blessed.
Kathy Mazzio
February 28, 2012
Rest in peace. Grace was my Fathers favorite painting.
Jessica Day
February 28, 2012
This picture has always been my favorite, until today i did not know anything about it, even owing one myself. I will always feel a sense of the faith that the portrait seems to speek. may the Lord bless your family during this time of loss. Sister Day Salt Lake City UT
February 28, 2012
To the the family of Rhoda Nyberg - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
Janet Hullender
February 27, 2012
Thanks to Mrs. Nyberg and her father for the beautiful picture "Grace". Their work of art will live for many generations. May the family be comforted in the days ahead knowing that her life and work lives in the hearts of many.
J ALLEN
February 27, 2012
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman with us and "Grace" as well.
Tekla Nyberg
February 27, 2012
February 27, 2012
I just heard about Rhoda's passing. What a great woman. Vincent and Rhoda used to stop in Cambridge at my parent's house on their way home from the city and we would have wonderful visits. I expect to come to the summer services.
Heidi Day
February 27, 2012
That has always been one of my favorite pictures. It seemed just about everyone had one in their home when I was growing up, so it's no surprise that when my parents were making our their will, I asked for their paintings of The Last Supper and Grace. I feel so blessed to have it, since in my adult life, I've only seen one other picture of Grace besides mine. I am so thankful to own this beautiful piece of art that inspires such reverance. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
P G
February 27, 2012
I have grown up with this photo as it still hangs in my church. it is a beautiful piece of art. May the memory of your mother and the great things she did give you comfort during this time.
SD
February 27, 2012
A true artist with a love for God. Thanks for getting "Grace" into many, many homes to remind us of the importance of giving thanks. May the God of all comfort give you hope and peace through his scriptures, holy spirit, friends and family.
February 27, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF RHODA NYBERG I EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT HEBREW 11:17-19. PJ. HOUSTON.TX.
February 27, 2012
TO THE FAMILY OF RHODA NYBERG, I EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU.PLEASE FIND COMFORT AT HEBREWS 11:17-19.PJ .HOUSTON,TX.
Scott Chamberland
February 27, 2012
Rest in Peace
Phil 4:6, 7
February 27, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God help you to endure these difficult days.
Mary Framstad
February 27, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Rhoda's passing. My prayers to your family, I hadn't seen Rhoda in so many years, but all my memories are wonderful ones.
John Nyberg
February 26, 2012
My condolences and sincere sympathy to Rhoda's family. Take comfort in her long and productive life which enriched so many. Best regards from a distant cousin.
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