Donald H. Nielsen

Internment and military honors will take place 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Memorial Park North in Grand Forks, ND.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Donald Harris Nielsen passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side on January 16, 2023. He was seventy-four. Don was born in Devils Lake, ND on July 7, 1948 to Harry and Doris Nielsen. He grew up in Edmore and Grand Forks, ND.

Don entered the US Army after high school and served in the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam. He was most proud of his Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Combat Air Medal.

Don married RuthAnn Cartwright on August 30, 1969. Earning a bachelor’s in education, Don started his career in education at the Dakota Boys Ranch in Minot, ND. After the birth of their first daughter, Tanja, they moved to Crosby, ND where twins, Ryan and Sarah were born.

Don’s career included being a science teacher, coach, elementary principal in Fortuna and Divide County, and Superintendent of Schools at Divide County School District and Columbus School. He loved the students, staff, school board members, and communities for which he served. They all held a special place in his heart over the years. He was often blessed with a note or a visit from former students. As principal, he was so proud of the students and staff when Divide County Elementary was recognized nationally for the Excellence in Education honor in 1985. As superintendent, he was recognized as the NW North Dakota Superintendent of the Year. Over the years, he served on numerous boards in the community.

Don loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed the countless hours he spent with family and friends in the outdoors. He also coached hockey during the years that Ryan played. He was known for his words of wisdom and was fondly called “Fr. D” by many of the players. After he retired from education, he enjoyed his time as a hired hand on the farm.

Don was especially appreciative of his family and friends from both the Crosby and Grand Forks communities who supported him throughout his battle with cancer. He often commented on how much he missed his Crosby friends and community during the last two years. A special thank you to Altru Cancer Care Center where the staff became more like extended family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Altru Cancer Care Center, Grand Forks, ND.

Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, RuthAnn, Grand Forks, children Tanja (Bob) Brown, Crosby, ND; Ryan (Jess) Nielsen, Hillsboro, ND; and Sarah Nielsen, Grand Forks, ND. Grandchildren Brady Brown, Crosby; and Annie and Amy Nielsen, Hillsboro, ND. Sisters Jeannine Dolgin, Walnut Creek, CA; Kaye (Bob) Hanson, Dublin, OH; and Bette Silva, Jamestown, ND; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Doris Nielsen; and brother, Larry Nielsen.

The funeral will be Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1:00 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Crosby, ND. Internment and military honors will take place 1:00 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Memorial Park North in Grand Forks, ND. Arrangements made by Stakston-Martin Funeral Home of Crosby and Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks.