Donald "Don" W. Brintnell

Donald W. “Don” Brintnell, 88 of Devils Lake passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital. 

A visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11:00 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend JoHanna Buchholz officiating.  The burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND at 3:00 p.m. on Monday.  Services will be live-streamed on facebook.com/oursaviorschurch.

Donald Warren Brintnell was born on July 14, 1934 at Grafton ND, the son of William J. and Anna (Mattson) Brintnell. He grew up at Gilby, ND, attended Gilby Public School and graduated from Gilby High School with the class of 1953.  Don continued his education at Mayville State College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He then received his Master’s Degree at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks ND.

Don was united in marriage to Betty Yvonne Pfannsmith on June 4, 1955 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fordville, ND. They would live and work on the family farm at Fordville during the summer months, then live wherever Don’s job would take them during the school year.  Betty passed away on March 5, 1989.

Don’s passion was education. He dedicated his life to inspiring, teaching, advancing knowledge in our future generations, our children.  His first position as a Superintendent was at Sarles, then Brocket and Hampden ND and for 26 years he was the Superintendent at Pembina.  While acting as Superintendent, he also taught Psychology and Sociology classes.  While at Pembina, Don was instrumental in developing the ITV Program and worked with many schools throughout the state, helping them begin their own ITV programs.  Don generously gave of his time, serving on the NDHSAA Board for several years.

Don married Rubie A. (Hanson) Iverson on July 21, 1990 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake. They made their home in Devils Lake through the years. Retirement was never in Don’s vocabulary, so he worked as an interim Dean of Academic Affairs at Lake Region State College and for many years he was part of the Evaluation Team out of LRSC, for the duel credit programs in many of the schools in North Dakota.  This involved many miles of travel, but also meeting many former colleagues and making new friends along the way. 

Wherever the family lived, Don was always an active, supportive member of the community. He earned his Eagle Scout award and encouraged others as a Scout Leader for Troop 33 at Pembina. He was very active in the Elks Lodge, was the secretary/treasurer for the organization for many years and served as Exalted Ruler. He promoted Camp Grassick and also the Drug Awareness Program of the Elks. 

In retirement, Don and Rubie enjoyed extensive travel which included Alaska and Norway. He also traveled to many places as the Exalted Ruler.

Don loved and lived to fish. Many hours were spent fishing with family and friends, and many tales told. He was a talented photographer and had his own dark room in Pembina, acting as the school photographer for many years. Don never went to any event, celebration, party without his camera. He enjoyed collecting trains and model tractors.

To know Don meant you could always count on a friendly face, firm handshake, good conversation, and smile at every encounter. Don will be missed by many and forever loved by his dear family and many friends.

Don is survived by his loving family. His wife Rubie; children Randy Brintnell and wife Carol, Pembina ND, Gary Brintnell and wife Kristi, Fordville ND, Patty and husband Randy Kuchar, Edmore ND;  8 grandchildren Josh (Amy) Brintnell, Lisa (Andy) Coauette; Brian Brintnell (Kelsey), Nathan (Breanna) Brintnell, Kaitlyn Brintnell; Riley (fiancé Mikan) Kuchar, Reid (Carly) Kuchar, Robb (Quinn) Kuchar;  11 great grandchildren Addison, Matthew; Levi, Lauren; Blake, Kodie Jo, Kasey, Charlee, Jenna, Carter and Rhenyn; Rubie’s children Iver (DeEtta) Iverson, Christie Iverson, Holly Iverson, Esther (Doug) Moratzka and Dawn Iverson and many more beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, son Perry, siblings Ethel Norgart and Willard Brintnell, nephew David Norgart and son-in-law Greg Wentz.

Casket Bearers will be Don’s grandchildren. Honorary Bearers are the dedicated former staff members at each of Don’s schools and Troop 33. Music will be provided by Emily Foss.