Obituary: Daniel Mack

Daniel Mack

Daniel G. Mack, 80, Fessenden, N.D., passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, N.D.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday October 2 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Fessenden. Fr. Steven Wirth will officiate and the burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Fessenden. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1 at Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden. A rosary and vigil service at St. Augustine Church will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Dan was born in Alexandria, Minn., on October 17, 1942, to Albert and Kathryn Mack. Within a few years, the family moved to Heaton, N.D., where Dan attended school through the eighth grade. He went to high school in Fessenden, graduating in 1960.

On December 26, 1963, he married Ruth Fossen at St. Augustine Parish in Fessenden. For the next few years, they lived in Valley City, N.D., where Dan completed his bachelor's degree in business education at Valley City State College.

The couple moved to Linton, N.D. where Dan taught high school and the couple welcomed the birth of their son. They stayed in Linton until 1970 before moving to Grand Forks where Dan received his master's degree in business education in 1972. For the next few years, Dan taught business at colleges in both Havre, Montana and Columbus, Nebraska.

In 1977, the family moved back to Fessenden, where Dan and Ruth bought the Wells County Abstract Company. For the next 30 years Dan and Ruth worked together until they both retired and sold the company in July 2007.

When the family moved back to Fessenden, Dan decided to take an active role in the community. Early on he was appointed the Municipal Judge, holding the position for many years. His desire to give back to the community also included 16 years on the city council with twelve of those as the mayor.

Additionally, he served on the school board for six years, St. Augustine Church board, Wells County Fair Board, Wells County Job Development Authority, Fessenden Country Club and he also served as the President of the N.D. Land Title Association.

While he may have complained about it, each June, you could find him giving countless hours during the Wells County Fair. Often, he was at the fair when it opened each day and shut down at night making sure the ticket sales were running smoothly and the daily deposits were made.

Aside from his active community participation he was an avid duck hunter. Every October he spent early mornings in a slough with his son and father hunting mallards and bringing home the occasional goose. In 1999, the birth of his granddaughter Courtney was a true highlight. He and Ruth made frequent trips to Galveston, Texas, rarely missing a Christmas or birthday.

Dan is survived by his son, Kirk; daughter-in-law, Janet of Galveston, Texas; and one granddaughter, Courtney also in Galveston.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth and his parents.

Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Home, Fessenden, N.D.