David E. "Dave" Nething, a long-serving public servant and community figure from Jamestown, North Dakota, passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 91. He died of natural causes at SMP Health - Ave Maria in Jamestown.
Nething's life will be commemorated at United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown on December 11, 2024. Eddy Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Born on June 29, 1933, in Valley City, North Dakota, Nething grew up in Pingree and later joined the military before completing his high school education. He attended Jamestown College and graduated in 1956.
During college, he met Marjorie Moffatt from Rugby, North Dakota. They married in 1955. In a memoir written for his descendants in 2011, Nething wrote about Marjorie: "Throughout our life together, she has been my best friend and supporter."
After college, Nething worked as a high school principal and teacher before entering the insurance and real estate business. He pursued legal studies at the University of North Dakota Law School and graduated with honors in 1963.
Nething opened his law office in Jamestown in 1964 and served as Assistant State's Attorney for Stutsman County until 1969. He also taught Business Law part-time at Jamestown College.
His political career began with active involvement in the Republican Party. In 1960 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention held in Chicago. Elected to the North Dakota Senate in 1966, he served until his retirement in 2012 as one of the longest-serving Republican State Senators.
He was particularly interested in higher education policy and telecommunications reform during his legislative tenure. His community service included roles with various local organizations such as Rotary International and Elks Lodge.
Nething authored several books reflecting on his life experiences for his family members over recent years.
He is survived by Marjorie; their children Deborrah Lee (Francis), Scot Nething (Darlene), Melissa Morris (Rick); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Bonnie Lavik (Tom) of Blaine, Minnesota; among others.
The full obituary can be accessed online through Eddy Funeral Home's website.
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