Donald V Niskanen

Donald V. Niskanen, 92, of Bemidji, MN died Sunday, March 23, 2025 at Neilson Place in Bemidji.
A celebration of life will be held from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 15, 2025 at the Bemidji Town and Country Club in Bemidji, MN.
Don was born June 4, 1932 in Wadena Co., MN, the son of Verner and Elma (Paurus) Niskanen. He was raised in Sebeka and graduated from Sebeka High School. He served with the US Army from 1952-1954. He married Janet Lien while serving in the military. They moved to Bemidji where he attended BSU for his teaching education. He taught in Bagley, MN for 4 years before working for the Bemidji Jr. High School as an industrial arts teacher. While working as a teacher he also coached football and golf and was a referee for years. He retired from coaching golf at BSU when he was 79 years old. He was inducted into the BSU Hall of Fame in 2012. He loved hunting, golfing, socializing, being with his grandkids, spending time with family and friends, and telling stories.
Don is survived by his 3 children, Brenda (Hal) Simmons, Eric (Catherine) Niskanen, and Monica (Marty) Feil, son-in-law, Paul Nelson, 9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, brother, David (Kathy) Niskanen and sister, Becky (Warren) Bindewald.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Janet Niskanen, daughter, Stacey Nelson, and sisters, Karen and Carole.