Steve Tryhus died June 9, 2025 after an 8 year journey with Alzheimer’s dementia.

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 music degree at Mankato State University, Steve served in the Army as a communications specialist in Germany. He worked for the Postal Service for 30 years.

Steve and wife Patti Selsvold Tryhus performed at children’s concerts, wedding dances and bars for 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

Patti has been teaching at the Mankato Suzuki School of Music for 46 years. Steve was her prime supporter and frequent back up guitarist for fiddle players at concerts and parades. More recently Steve and Patti enjoyed Singing Hills Chorus, a remarkable choir for people with dementia and their caregivers.

His last guitar performance was only 3 weeks before his death, accompanying Patti on violin at Calvary Lutheran Church near their home in Rapidan.

Steve is survived by Patti, sons Peder and John, sister Mary Lynn Tryhus, 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 St. Croix Hospice and the 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.