Donald James Niemeier

Donald was born in New England, North Dakota, on March 10, 1939. Raised by parents who were educators, he achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in English and was an excellent writer but couldn’t spell to save his life. He also received a Master’s Degree in Guidance & Counseling. This allowed him to delve into the lives of so many kids doing everything he could to motivate them to graduate high school and to pick a college or a trade school. Sometimes, this meant finding students who had skipped school and dragging them back for them to take a test. He probably did things that people would find non-conventional these days, but he had a heart of gold for the kids, and they responded well to his tactics. Many people could say that they have a better career and life path because of his dedication to them.

Donald was married to Yvonne Lee Thielman on July 23, 1965, in New England, North Dakota. Yvonne was the one who made sure all his papers & letters were spelled correctly, prior to computers and spell check, which meant re-typing his papers numerous times on a manual typewriter, when he was working towards his Master’s.

Donald taught in New England, North Dakota, and Beach, North Dakota, before he finished his career as a guidance counselor in Williston, North Dakota. During his over 30 years in the school system, he also was a track, football, and basketball coach, as well as a referee for both boys’ and girls’ basketball.

He was an excellent speaker and storyteller. He was passionate about Special Olympics and was a speaker for several of their functions.

Donald was also an avid sportsman and loved to hunt & fish. Summers with his family & friends were spent at the lake, fishing and skiing. His fall & winter was jam packed with sports and bird hunting. He was also an avid gardener and could often be found standing in the middle of his garden with a beer in his hand while “watching” his garden grow.

Another passion of his that he passed on to his children, was his love of animals. He spent many hours training his beautiful Labrador Retrievers for his hunting expeditions, but they were just as much a part of the family.

In order to support his many hobbies, he started a painting company with several of his teacher friends which kept them busy when they were on school break. Donald liked to play hard, so he knew he also needed to work hard. He never complained about the hard work, as he wasn’t a victim and knew it was his responsibility to care for his family & his lifestyle.

Don will be remembered as a goofy storytelling, fun-loving guy who marched to the beat of his own drum. He instilled a sense of integrity and motivation in his children. Perhaps, his biggest pride and joy, however, would be his grandchildren. He was so incredibly proud of them and their spouses. He just missed his granddaughter’s wedding, due to his hospitalization, and he passed exactly a week after the wedding.

He is survived by his children: Shelly Kocher (Keith Kocher) and Cory Niemeier-Bonkrud (Matt Bonkrud), his grandchildren: Mason Messer (Giuliana Messer) and Gabrielle Holliefield (Adam Holliefield), his brothers, Ken Niemeier (Donna Niemeier), Bruce Niemeier, and Allan Niemeier (Nan Niemeier).

Memorial service will be on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 4:00 PM, at 9455 E Jasmine Circle, Mesa, AZ 85207.

Memorial donations may be sent to Ghost Town Dog rescue at ghosttowndogrescue.com/donate/ then click on donate and under type of donation, click “tribute” which will allow you to enter Don’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Niemeier family.