Harold "Sam" Neis

Sam Neis died December 6, 2003 at Indiana University Hospital, Indianapolis,IN. Sam was born in Omaha, NE July 17, 1943 to Martha (Bainbridge) and Gerhard Neis. He grew up in Lyons, NE graduating from Lyons High School in 1961. He attended Norfolk Junior College and NDSU. He earned a Bachelors Degree in 1965 and a Master's Degree in 1973 from NDSU. Sam married Heather McPherson in Cavalier, ND on June 10, 1967. Sam started his teaching and coaching career at St. James High School, Grand Forks, ND. In 1967 he moved to Fargo South High School where he was a math teacher and head football coach until 1976. He also coached track and field. He then became the offensive line coach at NDSU from 1976 to 1979. Sam was a radio color commentator for NDSU football from 1979 to 1985. From 1979 to 1981 Sam became Project Manager for Northern Improvement. He was membership manager from the Greater North Dakota Association from 1984 to 1989. From 1984 to 1989 he was a sales representative for Northern Water Works Supply. In 1989 Sam returned to teaching and coaching at Agassiz Middle School. When Discovery Junior High opened he started teaching math and coached football, basketball, and track. In 2002 he began coaching girls track at Fargo South. He was currently teaching and coaching at Discovery and Fargo South. Sam loved his family, coaching, teaching, and fishing. He touched the lives of many people. Sam is survived by his wife Heather; son John of Las Vegas, NV; daughter Jane of Bear, DE; brother Allan Neis of Solon, OH; sister-in-law Wilma Neis of Flagstaff, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gerald Neis. Visitation: Tuesday, December 9, 2003 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Boulger Funeral Home. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo.