Trudy Nygren

Trudy Roseann Nygren, age 57, of Kalkaska, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on July 2, 1955 and was the daughter of James and Norma Lou (Baldwin) Kozma.Trudy graduated from Howell High School in 1973. On April 27, 1974, she married Randy Lee Nygren and together they raised 2 wonderful sons. The Nygren family began a lifelong journey in the restaurant business. They had a strong, loyal, hardworking ethic based on sincere customer service. Their first endeavor was started 34 years ago when they opened Val’s Pizza in South Lyon. A few years later they moved to Fowlerville where they opened their 2nd Val’s Pizza. After leaving the Val’s Pizza franchise, they opened their own chain of 2fers Pizza-Mexican Stores. Moving out of the pizza business, they launched their first Breakfast and Burger Express Restaurant in a little depot building in Williamston in the early 80’s. They served homemade favorites for breakfast and lunch. Their vision grew and they headed north landing right in front of railroad tracks on the corner of Cedar & Laurel. This was a perfect place to expand their dream utilizing the train theme of Breakfast and Burger Express. They are known for their homemade home fries, delicious biscuits & gravy and their daily savory soups, mom’s famous chili, specialty burgers, and secret recipe dinners.Even more importantly than good food was their emphasis on FAMILY. After Trudy retired her sons carried on the family tradition of good homemade food with sincere customer service. Matthew with his wife Keisha and their 3 sons continue to own and operate the Breakfast and Burger Express in Kalkaska. Michael owns and operates his restaurant, The Iron Skillet, in Mancelona. Trudy had a quote found on the menu and employee t-shirts that sums it all up – “Where good friends meet to eat.”Trudy liked to read, spend time with her grandsons playing games and attending their events, and watching reality T.V. like The Amazing Race. Her amazing journey was one of a silent strength and gentle sweetness. It showed in all her love for the Lord, her family, her friends, her workers & employees, and her loyal customers.Trudy Roseann Nygen will be deeply missed but her spirit and love for all will live on.Trudy is survived by her loving father and step-mother, Jim and Suzanne Kozma of Howell; her devoted sons, Matthew (Keisha) Nygren and Michael Nygren, both of Mancelona; her 3 cherished grandchildren, Tevin, Caleb, and Andrew; her dear siblings, Ken Kozma of Brighton, Peggy Tulip of Milford, and Jimmy (Connie) Kozma of Louisville, KY; her 8 nephews and 3 nieces; and her 2 great-nieces and 1 great-nephew.She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 31 years, Randy Lee Nyrgren who passed in April 2005; and her mother, Norma Kozma.Visitation for Trudy will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 1-8 p.m. at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville.Condolences may be left online at www.wolfeoneill.com.Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Trudy Nygren

July 2, 1955 - March 14, 2013