MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Minot’s Warren Pietsch has spent a lifetime lifting North Dakota Aviation to new heights.

That dedication now earns him one of the organization’s highest honors: induction to the Hall of Fame.

“Right out of high school, I started flying charter,” said Pietsch.

Raised in the aviation business, he grew up at Pietsch Flying Service, where his pilot parents pioneered the industry in the Magic City. You know it today as the Minot Aero Center.

“This is my touchstone,” said Pietsch.

Throughout his career, he flew commercial planes, air ambulances and had some fun at airshows all across North America and beyond.

“Did a lot of stuff in the Middle East during the Gulf conflicts,” said Pietsch.

He has flown for more than four decades.

“I’ve been around and seen a lot of stuff, but North Dakota hasn’t changed as much as the world has,” said Pietsch.

Even at just four years old, he already knew this was his life’s calling.

“I was given a wonderful opportunity, and I took it,” said Pietsch.

The trailblazer has traveled the world, but he and his wife, Jolene, never left Minot for a new home.

“It’s a good place to be from and to come back to,” said Pietsch.

He also plays a role in one of the world’s premier collections of World War II aircraft, helping recover and rebuild its pieces together.

“I found that airplane was originally owned by the actor Jimmy Stewart. That was a 24-year project for me,” said Pietsch.

He also brought some of these vintage aircraft to the Dakota Territory Air Museum, that draw thousands of visitors each year.

His family started the museum in the late 80s.

“I just enjoy experiencing what other generations and other pilots have done in the past. And be able to see how far we’ve come by comparing those airplanes to what we’re flying now,” said Pietsch.

Now he will be the 51st inductee to the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame.

“It’s a huge honor, and I’m humbled by it,” said Pietsch.

For this industry pioneer, it’s more than just an award.

“The awards are neat, but the friendships? That’s the best thing,” said Pietsch.

He said he’ll continue to rebuild airplanes for the years to come.

The Hall of Fame will induct Pietsch during its annual banquet in Minot on March 10.

His ceremony will be a part of this year’s Fly North Dakota Conference.

The Bismarck Municipal Airport has an exhibit honoring all inductees in the lower level of the terminal building.

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David Allen Godfread, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy defined by integrity, service, and quiet leadership. He was born in Minot to Frank and Ruth Godfread and raised in Stanley, North Dakota. Dave graduated from Stanley High School and attended the University of North Dakota from 1965–1969 on a basketball scholarship, majoring in physical education and mathematics.

While at UND, Dave met the love of his life, Judy. They were married on July 3, 1970, and together built a family that was always his greatest pride. He was the devoted father of three sons—Marc, Jeff, and Jon—and a proud grandfather to Madison, Brenna, Ava, Braedon, Jamison, Dylan, Harrison, Reagan, and Thatcher, and great-grandfather to Colter and Wells.

Dave lived a life grounded in hard work and service. After his playing career, he coached and taught at Garrison and Bottineau High Schools before joining the University of Mary as an associate basketball coach, where he was part of one of the most successful eras in program history. He was later inducted into the University of Mary Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.

In 1983, after earning a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in administration, Dave transitioned into school leadership. He served as principal at Saint Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck and later in Grand Forks as associate principal at South Middle School, principal at Community High School, and director of Adult Learning. He retired in 2009 after 20 years of service.

Of all his roles, being a high school principal meant the most to him. He believed students were more than their mistakes, once saying, “The neat thing about alternative high schools is that the students always can come back and fix their mistakes.” He dedicated his career to students who needed second chances, offering structure, accountability, and belief in their potential.

Dave was a man of few words who led by example. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, tinkering in the garage, and time with family, especially Sunday omelets after church. His familiar advice “Make it last,” and “You’re burning daylight” reflected how he lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Godfread; his brother, Charles; and several in-laws and extended family members.

Dave is survived by his wife Judy; his sons and their families; and generations of students, athletes, and friends who were shaped by his steady guidance. His legacy lives on in every life he influenced through integrity, effort, and doing what is right.

A Memorial Service: Celebrating Dave’s life will be held in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in late April or early May, when family and friends can gather to remember a life well lived.

The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com
(The Historic Norman Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND)