Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271727
Title: Paul N. Wisness
Date: 6/10/1946-8/12/2025
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 6/10/1946
Summary: Paul Norman Wisness, of Keene and Watford City, ND, passed away at McKenzie County Hospital, surrounded by his family, on August 12, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Funeral services were held August 19, 2025, at Keene First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Peder Stenslie officiating. He was laid to rest at the Schafer Cemetery in Watford City, with honors presented by the Carl E Rogen Post 29 from Watford City, ND and representatives from the US Army Funeral Honors Team. Paul was born on June 10, 1946, in Williston, ND, the oldest of four children born to Lester and Gladys (Felland) Wisness of Keene. He was baptized and confirmed at Keene First Lutheran Church, where he was a lifetime member. He was raised on the family farm and ranch. Paul attended Keene School through the 8th grade. He then attended Watford City High School where he wrestled and played football, graduating in 1964. After graduation, he went on to attend North Dakota State University for two years. In 1966, Paul was drafted into the United States Army, serving as a combat medic in Vietnam for 1 year. In 1968, he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. Upon his return, he continued his education at NDSU, then transferred to NDSU-Bottineau School of Forestry where he obtained an associate degree in science and agriculture. He briefly attended Dickinson State University. After college, Paul joined his dad and brother, Milo, on the family homestead to farm and ranch together. Paul married Sandra Sannes on December 22, 1973, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City. They lived a short time in Watford City, before moving to north of Keene where they made their home, living there for the next 42 years. They were blessed with two adopted children: a son, Brett, and a daughter, Britnee. In 2015, they built their retirement home in Watford City, in the “perfect location”, according to Paul. Paul believed in serving his community, as well as his country and did so through his participation on many boards: the Keene First Lutheran Church, the Reservation Telephone Cooperative (RTC) as a director for 33 years, the McKenzie County Grazing Association, the McKenzie County Job Development Authority (JDA), the Dakota Quality Grain Cooperative, and the American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29, where he once served as Commander. He was a proud member of the American Legion Drill Team of Watford City for 25 years and was member of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association for over 35 years. Paul enjoyed countless trips and many hours hunting big game. He always looked forward to local fall hunting with his family and friends. His other hobbies included golfing, fishing, and attending his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events. Paul’s faith was very important to him. His love for Jesus was apparent through his interaction with his family, grandkids, neighbors, and friends. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was known for his quick wit and charming ways, which led him to making numerous friends through the years. Paul truly never met a stranger, only a friend he hadn’t known yet. In June 2024, Paul became a resident of the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City, residing there for nearly one year before moving to Country House in Dickinson, ND. In August 2025, he was admitted to McKenzie County Hospital where he remained until his passing. Paul is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sandi, of Watford City; son, Brett (Amanda) Wisness, and their children, Wyatt, William, and Ava, of Watford City; daughter, Britnee (Tyrel) Sveet and their children, Brynlee and Theo, of Watford City; sister, Jane (Dwight) Mangel, of Lakewood, CO; sisters-in-law, Julie Wisness, of Watford City, Sharon Eastwood of Fridley, MN, Elaine Lingor, of Pittsburg, KS, Julie (Dennis) Gray, of Highlands Ranch, CO, Donna (Gary) Bordner, of Grand Rapids, MN; many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were a very important part of his life; as well as, two special caretakers, Celia Meza and Jenny Wodelet, who became like family to him. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Gladys Wisness; brothers, Milo and Gary Wisness; nephews, Joshua, Russell, and Levi Wisness; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Allen and Florence Sannes; brothers-in-law, Jim Eastwood and Dan Lingor.
Red ID: FND_I_79223 Image ID: 531286 Image Notes: FND001 271727

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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