Donald L. Niewold

Donald LeRoy Niewold DDS, 94, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Don, affectionately known as “Gramps” and “El Doctor” by his family and friends, lived a large life filled with adventure.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Don will be laid to rest in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Don was born in Lafayette, Indiana on June 9, 1931, to parents Tena and Peter Niewold – the youngest of six children. At age five Don’s family relocated to Tucson, Arizona where he attended primary school and made lifelong friends. His work ethic and courage surfaced early in life when he left home to lay track for the U.S. Railways as a “gandy dancer” and lived in a boxcar.

Don completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Arizona and attended Baylor Dental School in Dallas, Texas. After working as a dentist in the Air Force, he was accepted into the University of Texas Orthodontic program.

Don became the first ABO Board Certified orthodontist in southern New Mexico and was a leader in his field for over 50 years. He had a private practice in El Paso, TX and later in Las Cruces, NM. Don also served as an orthodontic consultant at Holloman Air Force Base for over 30 years and dedicated his expertise to the UNM Carrie Tingley Cleft Palate Team. Don’s motivation and care contributed to the well-being of hundreds of people throughout the years.

Don shared his love of the outdoors with friends and family on camping trips, motorcycle rides and races in Baja, California, and kayak expeditions down the Colorado River and in the Pacific Ocean. Laughter, storytelling, and toasting cold beers were a hallmark of any adventure with Don.

His philosophy of embracing life to the fullest was contagious. His love was felt in his warm robust laugh, endless energy and the ever-present twinkle in his eye. If you were a friend of Don, it was for life.

Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a lifetime Rotarian of Las Cruces, NM.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Tena and Peter Niewold, his siblings, Alice Niewold, Edith Woodward, Jeanne Rutherford, Richard Niewold and Paul Niewold, and his former wife Donna Landsheft.

Don is lovingly remembered by his children and their spouses, Tina Mitchell (James), Charles Niewold (Laura) and Lisa Lane (Bobby); grandchildren, Christy Mitchell, Catherine Graves (Jay), Ann Ralls Brown (Jerrod) and Trenton Rich; five great-grandchildren, former wife Mary Kay Papen, her daughter Allison Smith (Greg) and nieces, Jeanne Woodward and Tena Rutherford.

The family of Don extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers, visits and support during his final days. The Family also wants to thank the staff of The Heritage Assisted Living for all the love, care and support he received during his final days.