Mankato, MN - Steven Roy Tryhus died June 9, 2025 after an 8 year journey with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born September 26, 1949 to Roy and Mary (Desmond) Tryhus in Fargo ND. In 1954 they moved to Mankato where Steve became an Eagle Scout and a gymnast. He taught guitar at Backlund's Music Store and performed at Mankato High hootenannies. After receiving a degree in music at Mankato

State University, Steve served in the Army as a communications specialist in Germany.

Steve and wife Patti Selsvold Tryhus performed at wedding dances, bars and children's concerts for about 15 years, and in 1978 they toured with the Wizard Oil Troupe, an old fashioned medicine show. In 1979 they recorded an album of mostly original songs which Garrison Keillor played regularly on his MPR morning show. The songs can be found at

mapleriverband.bandcamp.com

For 46 years Patti has been teaching at the Mankato

Suzuki School of Music where Steve was the frequent backup guitarist for fiddle players at concerts and in parades. More recently he enjoyed Singing Hills Chorus, a remarkable choir for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Steve's last guitar performance was only three weeks before his death, accompanying Patti's violin at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapidan.

Steve Tryhus is survived by Patti, sons Peder and John, sister Mary Lynn, nieces and nephews, and Cooper, his golden retriever. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Ann, Katie and Sally.

Much gratitude goes to the kind citizens of Rapidan. There will be a family service. Suggestions for memorial donations are to Calvary Lutheran Church or the Southern MN School of Music where Patti is creating Try Us Jam Session classes to encourage improvised music and community celebration.