Harold "Bud" Nystrom

Harold “Bud” Nystrom, age 82, of Winona, Minn., passed away on Jan. 1, 2026.

Bud was born on Oct. 16, 1943, in Minneapolis to Harold and Norene (O’Neal) Nystrom. He grew up and spent his life rooted in the Winona community he loved where he built both a family and a lasting legacy.

On Jun. 1, 1968, Bud married the love of his life, Karen Meyers. They shared more than 45 years of marriage together, building a life centered on family, hard work and deep ties to their community until Karen’s passing in 2014.

Bud and Karen were devoted partners and proud parents to their two children, Bill and Mari. Family was always Bud’s greatest priority, and his pride in his children and grandchildren was evident to everyone who knew him.

Bud dedicated 35 years to the automotive business in Winona, becoming a trusted and familiar name to generations of customers as the proprietor of Nystrom Motors. He began with Chrysler/Plymouth and later expanded to include Pontiac/Cadillac and Toyota franchises. He concluded his automotive career when he sold Nystrom Toyota in 2004.

Bud was wholeheartedly committed to his community. He was actively involved in the Winona Chamber of Commerce, a longtime member of the Winona Ambassadors and served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Winona Community Foundation. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Winona Country Club and took great pride in establishing a fountain in memory of his wife Karen in the Winona Health Robinson Healing Garden.

Bud will be remembered for his love of a good round of golf, leisurely dinners at local supper clubs and the infectious laughter he shared with cherished, lifelong friends.

Bud took great joy in watching his grandchildren participate in their many activities and was immensely proud of his family. In retirement, he treasured time spent with family and friends at his homes in Winona and Placida, FL.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karen (Meyers) Nystrom, their infant daughter and his sister, Mary (Nystrom) Lambin.

He is survived by his son, Bill Nystrom and his children Sam and Elise; and by his daughter, Mari (Steve) Bern and their children Charlie, Henry and Luke.

Bud’s life was defined by dedication—to his family, his friends, his work and the Winona community he proudly called home. Memorial gifts are preferred in memory of Harold “Bud” Nystrom to Mayo Clinic for the purpose of Blood and Bone Marrow Research in Rochester, MN. Donations can be made by mail, phone, or online.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Friday, Jan. 9, at noon, with visitation prior to the Mass, beginning at 10 a.m.

The funeral service will be livestreamed. To watch the livestream, click here.

Memorial gift information:

Gifts can be made to the Mayo Clinic. If you choose to make a contribution, please indicate the gift is in memory of Harold “Bud” Nystrom and include the purpose Blood and Bone Marrow Research in Rochester, MN.

By Mail: Checks payable to Mayo Clinic can be sent to: Mayo Clinic, Department of Development 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905

By Phone: Call (855) 852-8129 (toll-free), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT

Online: https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC