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.
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.
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.
[Dan's] perseverance and strength was an inspiration for me, as I’m sure it was for many.
Role Model
You are a strong, smart and funny role model. I use that as an example of how to live my life.
An Enlightened Leader
Through humility and discernment, [Dan] would find a way to bring the most important stuff to light.
Eternally Optimistic
I really appreciate you as an educator. Your optimism in anything is admirable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Watford City
North Dakota
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.
Ellendale
North Dakota
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.
Carrington
North Dakota
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.
Aberdeen
South Dakota
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.
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 -
Dan's Life
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.
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 […]
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 6th […]
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 […]
Daniel Wold Foundation Walk and Silent Auction 2020
On August 30, 2020, the Daniel Wold Foundation will be hosting our second annual Walk and fundraiser, including a silent auction. To pre-register and/or order shirts, click here. The walk will be held from 4:30-6:00 p.m, starting at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The route will proceed from the church to the […]
Congratulations to the 2020 winner of the Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship, Skyler Muilenberg! Muilenberg is from Ethan, South Dakota and is an Elementary Education major at Northern State University. The following is an excerpt from Skyler’s essay: Learn More or Apply for the Daniel Wold Foundation Scholarship
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.