About

THE DANIEL A. WOLD FOUNDATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2019 TO HONOR DAN'S PASSIONS IN LIFE THROUGH EDUCATION STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPECIAL NEED PROJECT FUNDING.

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Dan's Story

God doesn't promise an easy life. There will be illness, pain, and suffering. God does promise to always be with us and to give us strength to face life's adversities. He will cause good to come out of the bad things that happen.

Dan Wold had a sense of humor and an energy for life that everyone around him enjoyed. As a counselor and coach, he touched the lives of young people in Ellendale, Carrington and Aberdeen. He gave students tools to pursue their dreams and made extra time for those who needed special role models. In 2016, Dan was diagnosed with laryngeal chondrosarcoma, a cancer in his thyroid, throat and larynx, despite being a non-smoker. Subsequent surgeries required him to learn to talk and breath in a new way. Dan faced these challenges with strength, grace and dignity. On August 16, 2018 we lost an amazing man who inspired so many.

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Daniel Wold
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Our Philanthropic Focus

We strive to improve the lives of those in our community with special needs and to empower the next generation of educators through financial scholarships.

If you, or a loved one, has been impacted by Dan, or you share his vision, please consider a financial contribution that allows Dan's legacy to live on. Dan was committed to making a difference in student's lives - academically, athletically and personally. Donations make it possible for Dan to continue positively influencing future educators and those with special needs.

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Dan's Causes

The mission of the Daniel A. Wold foundation is to reflect God's glory by helping others. As an educator, counselor, and coach, Dan made connections with young people to help them succeed in life. He strived to live by 1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

NSU Scholarship

Northern State Scholarship

Dan his wife, Cheryl, and his daughter, Julia, are proud Northern State University alumni. The annual scholarship to NSU will help a student take the step to build their future in education.

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Special Needs Projects

As a counselor, those with special needs were always close to Dan's heart. Through targeted initiatives, big and small, we will work to improve the lives of those with disabilities in our community.

Home

Throughout his life, Dan called many places home. He had a strong need for affiliation and faithfully followed the activities of each community throughout his life.

Summer, lying on the grass with a smiling dog nearby. Clouds float by, as do the moments of serenity. The cancer inside me has no power over moments like this.
Victory comes to me in small doses, as do feelings of hope and fear. Death has no power over me, not now, and not when I pass.
- Daniel Wold, 2016 -

Blog

Dan was a talented writer and spent many years writing a column for a local newspaper. He was working on compiling his articles into a book. Read some of Dan's articles as well as words from others who were impacted by Dan.

2023 Foundation Walk and Silent Auction

The Daniel Wold Foundation Silent Auction and Walk will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 6th from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend! Order your 2023 Daniel Wold Foundation T-Shirts Here! Schedule of Events 4:30-5:00 p.m. Registration and Bidding opens for the Silent Auction in the Fellowship Hall During this […]

2023 Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to the 2023 winner of the Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship, Peyton Melius! Melius graduated from Faulkton High School in 2021 and is currently an Elementary and Special Education double major at Northern State University. The following is an excerpt from her essay: In some sense, as I look back, it almost seems ridiculous that […]

Thankful for Memories

The following article, “Thanksgiving Eve” was originally written by Dan in 2014. Please post your favorite memories of Dan in the comments. I wrote this article on the day before Thanksgiving.  I like to refer to this as “Thanksgiving Eve”. I may be one of the few people to use this term, but I am […]

Walk/Run Fundraiser 2019

The foundation will be hosting a fundraising walk/run on what would be Dan’s 53rd birthday, August 30th, from 4-6. Registration is due by August 21st and T-shirts are also available for those who cannot make the fundraiser. Hope to see you all there! REGISTER:​ Mail this form and money to: Daniel Wold Foundation, 1020 6​th​ […]

Donate to Daniel Wold Foundation this Giving Tuesday

Since 2019, the Daniel Wold Foundation has awarded four $1000 scholarships and donated to other organizations that support persons with disabilities. None of this would be possible without your generous donations and support. This Giving Tuesday, consider donating to the Daniel Wold Foundation to continue funding our scholarships and projects. Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect […]

Taylor Krege - Daniel Wold Scholarship Winner

2021 Daniel Wold Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to the 2021 winner of the Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship, Taylor Krege! Taylor is attending Northern State University.

Living Like Dan

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The Drive
Of an Advocate
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The Heart
Of a Counselor
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The Passion
Of a Coach
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The Intuition
Of a Listener

Contact

If you have questions about the mission of the Daniel A. Wold foundation or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us.

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Foundation Board of Directors

Thank you for your interest in the Daniel A. Wold Foundation. As our husband and father, we know what a wonderful man Dan was and love to hear stories from people who were also blessed to know him.

  • Cheryl Wold, President
  • Julia Wold, Vice President
  • Jordan Wold, Secretary
  • Pamela Merkel, Treasurer
  • Deborah Utecht, Auditor
  • Bruce Wold, Board Member