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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Contact UsThroughout 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.
Dan was born in Watford City, the youngest of five. He was athletic and was especially proud to represent the Watford City Wolves in the North Dakota Shrine Football game. Dan was also a member of the Honor Choir.
Following graduation from Dickinson State University, Dan moved to Ellendale in 1990 where he began his teaching and coaching career. He and his wife, Cheryl, welcomed both their children, Julia and Jordan while in Ellendale as well.
Dan and his family moved to Carrington in 1998, He worked as a high school counselor and continued to coach. He enjoyed cheering on the Carrington Cardinals both while he lived within the community and even following his family's move.
The Wold family moved to Aberdeen in 2013 where Dan initially worked at Central High School and Northeastern Mental Health Center. During the last years of his life, Dan was a coach and counselor at Roncalli High School.
Dan touched the lives of many. Growing up he was athletic, a talented vocalist and a bit of a prankster. Into marriage, he and Cheryl shared their love with several foster children. As a father, he relished time with his children and was proud of the adults they became. The students in his life appreciated his sense of humor and dedication to their betterment. Above all, he was a role model with eternal optimism.
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.
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 […]
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 […]
Many outstanding young adults apply for the Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship each year and we receive a number of exceptional essays, but these essay excerpts from previous scholarship winners showcase what the Foundation is looking for in future scholarship recipients.
(Click and drag to view past winners)
"Life can often present us with instances of uncertainty, change, and challenges that push us outside our comfort zones. One significant challenge in my life lately has been dealing with the loss of a young boy I had the privilege of babysitting for many years…Kayden was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia and lost his strong and courageous cancer battle in October of 2022. I can confidently say this has been the most difficult experience of my life; however I am working hard every day to overcome this challenge by Living Like Kayden."
"In some sense, as I look back, it almost seems ridiculous that I was irritated by my doctors’ orders. I was so angry and felt like I was being targeted after helping make the decision to fix my heart, I was frustrated with my parents, wanted my teachers and coaches to ignore my limitations, and wanted my classmates and teammates to include me in all that they were doing. Looking at the bigger picture, I now understand that these limitations were for my overall benefit and physical health. Maturing and becoming more aware of the daily battles that others face has made me realize how small this setback was for me."
The biggest challenge I have had to face in my life began on Wednesday, November 13, 2013. On this night, my brother was killed in a car accident. I remember that night like it just happened yesterday. There is nothing that can ever prepare a person for that kind of a life challenge. I do not think anyone really thinks about tragedy until they are faced with the life changing news. We tend to take life for granted, thinking our loved ones will always be there because I know I did with my brother...From that day forward, I knew I wanted to live my life changed because of him. He always put others before himself, was eager to serve, and was kind hearted to everyone around him. Instead of sitting in sorrow and feeling bad for what I lost, I strive to display those same qualities he had.
"Have you ever been asked a question that you thought you wouldn’t ever be asked? Moving schools was something that I never would have imagined happening…Sometimes change is the one thing you need in order to be happy, even if it means leaving someone behind that you care about."
"I can barely remember a time when I felt 100% healthy, but something that has helped me overcome this struggle is staying positive. Even through the surgeries, doctors' visits, and pain my medical issues have caused, I am still able to stay positive through it all. Having a good attitude and a smile on your face can change your day in unimaginable ways."
"What I envision “The Best Teacher” to be is one who the student feels safe around, and know that they can trust me. I also want the students to know that we can have fun in my classroom as long as we can get our work done at the same time. Mr. Wold was influential as a counselor/coach to me because he was the first coach to actually push me. If I slacked off during practice, he would let me know that I can be better than what I was giving at that moment. I feel like he was the first coach/person that recognized my potential as a football player and a person."
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.
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.
