Obituary of Audun Arnar Gythfeldt

Audun Arnar Gythfeldt, aged 85, of Pocono Pines, PA, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 7, 1939, in Oslo, Norway, to Margit (Worsoe) and Yngvar Gythfeldt, Audun was one of three children who blessed their home with joy.

Audun’s early years in Norway were marked by service and adventure. Audun cherished cross-country skiing, soccer, and sailing with his brother, embracing the outdoors with enthusiasm.  After graduating High School, he proudly served in Norway’s Kings Guard in the Infantry Battalion from 1957 to 1958. A passionate Norwegian Scout Leader, he inspired and shaped young minds with his honorable influence. At a wedding in Norway, he met his future wife, Margaret Ferguson Durno, and their love story began. They married in July 1962, settled in Glasgow, Scotland, and later moved to Oslo in 1965, where they raised their family for a decade. In 1980, they immigrated to Morris Township, NJ, and in 2007, Audun and Margaret retired to Pocono Pines, PA. While in Glasgow, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Strathclyde, a testament to his dedication to learning.

In New Jersey, Audun was a pillar of the community. A member of Nor-Bu Lodge in Lake Telemark, Rockaway, for over 50 years, he served in various officer roles, including President for 10 years. His love for soccer led him to found and preside over Morristown United Youth Soccer, where he coached his son for a decade, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. In retirement in Pennsylvania, Audun found joy on the golf course and contributed to his community as a member of the Lions Club.

Audun’s professional life was equally remarkable. He worked with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) from 1972 to 1975 and again from 1980 to 1999. His career took him across the globe, including India, Pakistan, Thailand, Afghanistan, China, Malaysia, nearly all of Africa, and beyond. During his travels, Audun developed a passion for photography, capturing the beauty and diversity of the world.

Audun’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his children, Margit Jean (Danny) Spector of Yonkers, NY, Marianne (Marco Ceruso) Gythfeldt of Brooklyn, NY, and Magnus Durno (Michelle) Gythfeldt of Greenwich, CT; his grandchildren, Sarina (Tallan Shrimpton) Spector, Daniel (Kathleen Olifiers) Spector, Brandon Spector, Maude Ceruso, Myles and Emma Gythfeldt, and their mother, Keeko, and Maximilian Gythfeldt; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family in Scotland and Norway. Although we are saddened by his passing, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his parents, Margit and Yngvar, his beloved wife, Margaret and his siblings, Love Green and Reidar Gythfeldt.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family for visitation on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a Sons of Norway Service beginning at 3:00 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. Memorial donations are being accepted in Audun's memory to the Alzheimer's Association by way of www.inmemof.org. Please leave a condolence or share your favorite memory to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine on for eternity.

Audun’s legacy of love, service, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

May he rest in peace, forever remembered and deeply loved.