Former state senator from Jamestown passes away at 91

JAMESTOWN — A community leader who served Jamestown and the state of North Dakota has died.

David Nething passed away on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the age of 91.

Nething is being remembered for his commitment to the community of Jamestown and his service in the North Dakota Senate by family and political leaders. He served as a state senator for 46 years from District 12 which now includes most of Jamestown but had previously covered much of Stutsman County.

Nething served in the North Dakota Legislature from 1964 until his retirement from political life in 2012. During those 46 years, he served on various committees including the Senate Judiciary and Appropriations committees which he chaired for some sessions.

According to his biography on the North Dakota Legislature website, Nething served as Senate majority leader from 1974-86 and as president pro tempore from 1997-98. He had also served as president of the National Conference of State Legislators, National Republican Legislators Association and the Foundation for State Legislatures.

“I have to say that he was a good friend for many years,” said Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich, who also remembered Nething serving as the city’s attorney during the 1990s. “He was kind but also a mentor to many around the state. As a legislator, he always had the best interests of those he represented.”

One of those who credited Nething with influencing his political career is Sen. Terry Wanzek, R-Jamestown.

“He had a lot to do with nudging me into running for the Senate,” he said. “He pushed hard for me to run for the (North Dakota) Senate.”

Wanzek was initially elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1992. Nething saw the North Dakota Senate was more competitive between Republicans and Democrats at the time and urged Wanzek to run for the Senate.

“He was very efficient as a senator,” Wanzek said. “He was a pillar in the Senate and very knowledgeable on parliamentary procedure and the North Dakota budget.”

Wanzek is seated at the same desk within the Senate chambers that Nething previously occupied.

Deb Lee, Nething’s daughter, said she thought her father was best known in the community for his friendly demeanor.

“He remembered names and dates and was friendly to all,” she said.

The family didn’t discuss politics at home often, Lee said.

“But he lit up when any of the kids were around,” she said. “Unless there was a (Minnesota) Twins game or football on.”

Nething began his service in the North Dakota National Guard before he completed high school at Pingree, North Dakota. He received his diploma later and went on to attend then-Jamestown College and the University of North Dakota School of Law. He returned to Jamestown to practice law and begin his political career.

Nething’s biography on the North Dakota Legislature website said he served on the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and Administration Conference of U.S., the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission and Uniform Law Commission.

Other organizations he had been involved with include the American Legion, Rotary, Jamestown Elks and North Dakota Elks Association.

“There is a lot to remember him for,” said his son, Scot Nething. “His commitment to the community, the things within the community and the North Dakota Legislature as a whole.”

Nething prepared a way for family members to remember his service.

“He put together four books about his life for his grandkids, for his family,” Scot Nething said. “He was very proud of what he had done in his life.”

His father stayed active even late in life, Scot Nething said.

“He kept involved in things,” he said. “Even with age and health roadblocks, he did what he could.”

Most of David Nething’s legal career was in public service including as the Jamestown city attorney and the state Legislature. In 1989, he received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce for his service to the community.

“He never left the (Jamestown) region except for short times in Bismarck and Grand Forks,” Scot Nething said. “He had a passion for the area.”

Heinrich said that passion extended into many areas.

“He was certainly a force in not only Jamestown but statewide,” he said.

One of his projects was Elks Camp Grassick at Dawson, North Dakota. In the 1980s, the camp went through a period of financial difficulties with Nething leading efforts to keep the camp operation afloat.

“It would very likely not have survived if Nething had not stepped in and did the fundraising,” Heinrich said. “That kind of service was emblematic of his entire career.”

Nething is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children Deb Lee, Scot Nething and Melissa Morris; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral service for Nething is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown. Eddy Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.