Donald W. Dimond

Donald W. Dimond, age 89, was born July 22, 1937, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Willard and Mabel (Gorden) Dimond and passed away peacefully at his home in Medina, Minnesota, on September 18, 2026.

After graduating from Wilton High School in 1955, Don proudly served in the United States Air Force in England. He went on to earn degrees from Bismarck Junior College, Valley City State College, North Dakota State University, and a Specialist Degree from Tri-College University in Fargo.

Don devoted more than 40 years to education, teaching in North Dakota, Idaho, and Minnesota before serving as Principal in Rugby, North Dakota. In 1971, he became Principal of East Grand Forks Senior High School, where he served until his retirement in 1999.

On June 25, 1966, Don married the love of his life, Kay Karnstedt, in Minot, North Dakota. Together they shared 60 years of marriage, raised three daughters, and built a family that brought him immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lyle and Willis; and sister Vetta. He is survived by his wife, Kay; daughters Teri (Michael) Husak, Nicole (Dan) McGinty, and Kimberly (Michael) Kuhn; grandchildren Dylan, Halle, and Stefani Husak, Jordan and Kyle McGinty, and Lucia and Violet Kuhn; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

In retirement, Don and Kay made their home on Big Detroit Lake, where they enjoyed spending time with family, traveling extensively, and escaping Minnesota winters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Don genuinely loved people. He was known for his quick wit, memorable one-liners, and warm sense of humor. One of his favorite sayings was, “I never met a kid I didn’t like—though some were harder to love than others.” Those who knew him will remember his ability to listen, his kindness, his fairness, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others.

A lifelong supporter of his community, Don was a member of the Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion, Mt. Tabor Lodge AF&AM, First Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes, and both the El Zagal and Kem Shrine Temples. He served as Worshipful Master of Lodge 292 in East Grand Forks, Venerable Master of the Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Forks, and proudly marched with the Kem Drum and Bugle Corps and the El Zagal Color Guard.

Don’s legacy lives on through the students he inspired, the communities he served, the organizations he supported, and the family and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM and Celebration of Life 11:00 AM, Monday, October 12, 2026 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church of East Grand Forks, MN. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, MN. Luncheon at East Grand Forks VFW immediately following interment.

Memorials preferred to the EGF Education Foundation.
https://www.egfeducationfoundation.org/becoming-a-member.html