Don Chris Josephson was born on May 4, 1948, and grew up in the community of Sidney, Montana. He was the only child of Chris and Wilma (Keller) Josephson.

In 1911, Don’s grandparents homesteaded land north of Sidney, where they established a family farm. It was there that Don was later raised, surrounded by the hard work and values of farm life.

Don’s father passed away when Don was just 7 years old. Thankfully, his mother Wilma and young Don were embraced by their extended family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins—who all took a great interest in his life and stepped in to help however they could. Don always remembered their love and support with deep gratitude.

In the years that followed, Wilma and Don left the farm and moved into Sidney. Don graduated from Sidney High School in 1966 and went on to attend Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho, graduating in 1970. He then pursued his calling to ministry at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

Throughout his youth and education, Don excelled in both voice and band music. He was known to many for his powerful and heartfelt singing voice and was honored to lend his voice in song or to give a sermon whenever called upon.

In 1969, Don married Jan Larson. Together they raised three children: Michelle (Trevor) Dishon, grandchildren Tylee and Tatym, Kim (Willi) Schilling, grandchildren Jeremy and Hailee, Matt (Breanne) Josephson, grandchildren Myli and Kash.

In the early 1970s, Don became a lay pastor and began assisting in churches across Kansas, Texas, and many states in between. Eventually, he returned to Sidney, Montana, where he faithfully pastored the Church of the Nazarene in Alexander, North Dakota for 36 years. During that time, he also filled in for many pastors in Sidney and Williston, always willing to serve where he was needed, but keeping the church in Alexander his greatest priority.

In 1989, Don married Christine Thomas LaFrance in California. They made their home in Sidney, where they began a loving partnership centered on faith, service to God, family, and each other.

After Don retired in 2013, he and Christine moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be closer to his daughter and granddaughters and to enjoy the warmer weather. Don treasured his retirement years, watching his grandchildren grow and develop. He was so proud of them and loved them with all his heart and soul, always eager to support and encourage them in everything they pursued.

In 2014, two little maltipoo puppies, Lucy and Lilly, came into Don’s life, and he loved and cared for them as a loving doggie dad would.

Throughout the years, Don and Chris traveled widely, visiting San Diego, Whidbey Island (WA), Charleston (SC), Florida, Boston, and their favorite destination, Cape May, NJ. They also made many trips back to Montana, the place Don always called home, to spend time with their grandchildren and family.

Don loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind, and he served Him faithfully throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a loyal friend to everyone he met. With his smile, laughter, jokes, and joyful spirit, Don left others encouraged and uplifted. His greatest prayer was that everyone would come to know Jesus and welcome Him into their lives.

Don was deeply loved and will be missed forever by all. On September 4th, Don left us to begin a new life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was reunited with his father, mother, grandparents, and many relatives. A bright light has gone out on earth, but we rejoice knowing he is in heaven.

Don is survived by his wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, his brother in laws, Tom Thomas, Andy Thomas (Yvette), nephew Jonathan Thomas (Kayla) and niece Michal Thomas.

Memorial Contribution