Crystal Y. Byfuglien

The Byfuglien family welcomes all whose lives Crystal touched to join us in honoring her enduring legacy at a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4-6 pm at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Interment will take place following the service at Concordia Cemetery.

Crystal Yvonne Brandt Byfuglien passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, ND.  She was born on September 23, 1935, the youngest of 11 children born to Gust and Lena (Lisell) Brandt.  Her journey began as the first carhop at the Tasty Freeze Drive-In, Roseau, MN where she met the love of her life Kenneth Byfuglien.  Kenny and Crystal were married on December 27, 1952. Their union of over 60 years was blessed with 9 children, 26 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She was a titan of strength and an anchor for the Byfuglien family.  Her dedication was instrumental in building the family’s successful trucking enterprise. 

A master of Swedish pancakes and talented crocheter, she was celebrated not just for her domestic skills, but for her quick wit, wisdom and boundless love, being the family’s chauffeur, cook, diligent housekeeper, and a spirited pull-tab attendant at the Roseau American Legion.  Her luck at the casino was legendary, as was her infectious laughter.  One of her proudest moments was when her grandson, Dustin brought home the Stanley Cup, underscoring the extraordinary legacy of the Byfuglien family.

Crystal is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, her daughter Jana, son Don, her siblings, son-in-law Doyle Hammer, daughter-in-law Linda Byfuglien Monkman and brother-in-law Clyde Turner.

She is survived by her children Dana and Marianne Byfuglien, Susan and Randy Kvien, Valerie Sherman, Dean and Nicole Byfuglien, Cheryl Byfuglien, Krisann and Dale Thortsen,  and Jeremy and Penny Byfuglien; special friend Pat Olson, sister and brother-in-law Shelia and Ole Olson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bob and Vangie Byfuglien and sister-in-law Vivian Turner.

Crystal’s spirit lives on through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her remarkable legacy.  Her influence extended far beyond her family, touching the lives of countless individuals within the community.  She was a beacon of hope, a symbol of perseverance, and an inspiration to all who knew her.

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