Father, Brother, Teacher, Coach Age 68 of Maplewood Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 19th, 2014. Survived by his children Danielle (Michael Manhard) and Dylan (Maggie); grandchildren Asher, Abigail, Emily, Andrew and Jacob; sisters S. Kathleen Niska CSJ and Patricia Niska. Doug grew up in North St. Paul and graduated from the University of Minnesota. A talented painter and photographer, he shared his gifts by teaching art in the North St. Paul / Maplewood school district from 1967 to 2006, becoming the first graduate from North High School to return as a teacher. In his later years he served as district chair of the art department. During his tenure, Doug also coached high school and junior high baseball, hockey, and tennis, while also playing those sports throughout his lifetime. Aside from these accomplishments, Doug's family will remember his candid humor, love of reading, and passion for the outdoors. Mass Monday (December 22) at 11:30 am at PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1725 Kennard Street & Larpenteur with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Senior Recovery or The Center of Human Environment. 651-777-2600 sandbergfuneralhome.com

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Published by Pioneer Press from Dec. 20 to Dec. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas NISKA

Sponsored by St Paul Pioneer Press.

20 Entries

December 26, 2014

My heart goes out to Doug's family. I knew Doug in grade school and high school. He was a big part of my life growing up in North St. Paul. He was always fun to be with and I am saddened by his passing.
Prayers and blessings,Jill Johans Zimmerman

Nancy (Sundgaard) Davidson

December 24, 2014

I still remember going to my son Todd's parent-teacher conference and being surprised to find Doug in his art classroom. I always expected he would have a great career as an artist - even as a teenager his art was inspiring to me. So sorry for your loss. Your good memories will comfort you in the times ahead.

December 23, 2014

I am sad that Mr Niska has passed one of those teachers at Maplewood Jr High that was so KIND. Thank You to Doug's famly for sharing him in the years I was there

Karen Fasulo

December 22, 2014

I am still getting compliments on my writing and photographs and that's all thanks to Mr Niska. He was a great teacher and artist and will be missed.

Rob Kiihn

December 22, 2014

I will miss his presence. Doug would come down to my Wood shop and we would visit about random topics. He was contagious and fun to be around. And yes he commissioned one of my students to design a corner table for his home. Never forgot his face when he picked up that table. When Doug retired from North High I was deaply saddened.

Derek Sellnow

December 22, 2014

Dylan and family. My deepest condolences to you all. There are no words to describe the void of losing your dad, father-in-law, and grandpa. I hope you find peace in all the wonderful memories he has left you with.

Dianne Sandberg

December 22, 2014

A good man. A good colleague. May he rest in peace.

Kathleen (Zins) Fosselman

December 22, 2014

I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. He was my teacher when I was in middle school many, many years ago. He was influential in my art career and I never forgot the words of encouragement he gave me to continue on with my art. That is a tribute to the nice man he was and for me to remember him after 40+ years.

Jim Honsa

December 22, 2014

It truly saddened me when I heard of your fathers passing. He added humor to each day at North.

Dan

December 21, 2014

I had Mr Niska as an art & photography teacher in the early 90s. Although I wasn't very talented, he showed patience by taking the time to work with me. I still wonder if he ever put the brush down on a painting he was always tinkering with down in "The Dungeon" God Bless to all family & friends.

Shari Mohamed

December 21, 2014

Light this candle to shine the way for Doug and his family. He touched a lot of lives. We will miss him.

December 21, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, during your time of sadness. He will be missed. Doug touched a lot of lives at the Wealshire of Bloomington. . I speak for the staff .

vicki murra

December 21, 2014

I went to school with Doug, he graduated a year ahead of me. Great person with a great love for fun. I am sorry for your loss. Vicki (Lundgren) Murray

Kristoffer Hunt

December 21, 2014

First, my condolences to the entire Niska family. My best memory of Mr. Niska was at North. He taught me to become an independent thinker and to work for what I wanted. I will never forget him and his devotion to the students. You will be missed.

Todd Erickson

December 21, 2014

I am sorry to hear about Doug's passing. Mr. Niska was honestly my all-time favorite teacher. He was a fun teacher whose grins, smirks and great humor always made learning about art down in "the dungeon" so enjoyable. Those of us who were fortunate and blessed to have had him as an instructor will always remember him as one of the kindest and more caring teachers. As an artist, Doug was a large influence in my artistic development during my high school years. I loved watching him draw and paint his "master pieces" while the rest of the students were working on our own personal projects. Thanks for sharing him with the students at NSP for so many great years. Many condolences to Danielle and the entire Niska family. - Sincerely, Todd Erickson - NSP Class of 87'

December 21, 2014

Danielle and Family,
My deepest sympathies to you at the loss of your Dad. He was a lovely man and a wonderful teacher. God's blessing and peace to you all.
Jennifer (Johnson) Kell '87

December 21, 2014

My sincere condolence for your loss. Doug was a kind and gentle soul who I had the good fortune to know.
Winnie Webster Mason

December 21, 2014

My sincere condolences for your loss. Doug was a kind and gentle soul. Winnie Webster Mason

December 21, 2014

I'll never forget Mr. Niska. Some of the most rewarding classes I took in high school were taught by him. Condolences to his family and friends.
-Todd Acheson '87

December 20, 2014

So sorry to hear that Dog passed. I have some fond memories of him when we were young. Blessings to your family. Robyn Hastings

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