Obituary: Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman

Fessenden, N.D.

Daniel J. Newman, 65, Bismarck, formerly of Fessenden, N.D., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at Missouri Slope Nursing Home in Bismarck.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021 at Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Fessenden. Pastor Pauline Crowder officiated and burial was at Hillside Cemetery, Fessenden.

Daniel Jerome Newman was born on Jan. 30, 1956 in Maddock, N.D. He was the first of five children born to Donald and Lenora (Fossen) Newman. It wasn't long before Danny's parents realized that their baby was special, and a trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. told them that Danny had Down Syndrome. The doctors told Don and Lenora that Danny most likely wouldn't live past the age of seven. Danny outlived all of those doctors and enjoyed 65 full years of life. Danny loved life, he loved spending time outside hunting with his pop gun, he loved playing the "Duke Boys" while riding on the 4-wheeler, and sometimes his family would find him just quietly sitting amongst the cattle out in the pasture.

Danny had a way with animals and it was as if the animals also understood that Danny was special. Danny's condition may have had its limitations, but he enjoyed a quality of life that even the healthiest "normal" people would admire. Danny never met a stranger, and in his eyes, everyone was equal. We should all learn from Danny that we are all children of God – It doesn't matter what size or color you are, or what social class you come from... The simple fact is: "WE ARE ALL SPECIAL."

Danny would spend countless hours in his room with his stereo, listening to the likes of Johnny Cash, John Denver, Kenny Rogers; but his all-time favorite person in the whole wide world was Elvis Presley. When Danny would watch TV or DVDs - It was always the Dukes of Hazzard, Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, The Wizard of Oz, or the Rocky Balboa marathons. He also really liked WWE wrestling and his idol there was Hulk Hogan. Danny would often show people his Hulk Hogan moves for a laugh and a smile. He would "Shoot Out" with his brother Jeff, and Danny was always Marshall Dillon. Jeff was the "Bad Guy" and Jeff never won. Danny loved to tease people and play jokes and he had the biggest heart. He collected many friendships throughout his life. He'll be missed by his special friends, Tom, Bill, Sharon, and Laurel. His life was enriched by his time at the 4th Corp in New Rockford, and also at the Transitional Center, where he lived until he moved to the Missouri Slope Nursing Home in Bismarck. This move was a blessing in disguise, for although Jeff and Carla missed him terribly, he got to see more of his sister Julie, with whom he had a special bond. Danny's longevity was no doubt a result of the constant and loving care he received from his mother Lenora.

He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Fessenden, N.D. He was baptized there and attended with his family throughout his life.

Danny was one tough cookie. He had a terrible accident involving a grain auger when he was young, which left him wearing a brace on his leg for the rest of his life. It was a Minnesota Vikings' brace and rather than complain, Danny showed it off to everyone he'd meet. He was a devoted Vikings fan and in Danny's world, the Vikings always won. Danny never seemed to have a care in the world, which is why his wrinkle-free face was the envy of many acquaintances.

Danny is survived by his brothers, Jeff (Carla) and Jason, and his sisters, Julie and Laurie; also his three nieces and a nephew.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lenora Newman, several aunts and uncles, his special dog Flip, and his good friend Mike Hovey. We find comfort in knowing that all of these special people were waiting to greet Danny, along with his most beloved idols: The Duke, Elvis, and Michael Landon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Danny to 4th Corporation in New Rockford, N.D.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden.