Daniel C. (Skip) Wiest passed away in Fridley, MN on November 21, 2011 at his home at the age of 55. Skip was born in Rapid City, SD to Daniel C. and Patricia (Holdren) Wiest on June 13, 1956. He attended kindergarten through 12th grade in the Newell school system. During his school years, he began a lifelong passion for genealogy and history. His high school years included participation in band, chorus, solo and ensemble contests, debate, student government, national honor society, and was chosen as a journalist for Boys' State during his junior year. After high school graduation, Skip attended the University of New Mexico (UNM), where he completed a degree in history and political science. At UNM, he served as a housing staff member and was an active leader in Mortar Board, a national honor society recognizing college seniors for achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.

Skip completed graduate school at the University of Arkansas, where he served as Assistant Director of Housing. He was active in NASPA, an association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession, and held several offices along with serving as a frequent presenter at many conferences and workshops. He continued his work in Student Affairs at Gonzaga University and the University of Arkansas. Skip moved to Fridley in 2002, where he worked as an educational consultant, trainer, and grant writer. Always a lifelong learner and voracious reader, his graduate studies targeted counselor education and higher education.

Throughout his life, Skip researched both family history and Butte county history. He conducted and facilitated searches for family histories and information, and his work included volumes of information about the Martin, Wiest, Holm, and Holdren family ancestors. Along with his interest in family history, he was helpful in providing pictures and information for the Newell museum, a facility his mother helped establish. Skip also was an avid spectator of many sports and faithfully followed several college and professional teams.

Family was central to Skip, and he was actively engaged with family members in all aspects of their lives. His devotion to his parents, grandparents, sister and her family, aunts and uncles, and cousins was ever-present. His only niece, Nikla Webb Lam, was the apple of his eye, and Skip was thrilled when her son, Evan Daniel Lam, was born in October of 2010. Skip was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Pat Wiest, his paternal grandparents, Paul and Barbara Wiest, maternal grandparents, Dewey and Eloise Holdren, and several cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his sister, Kristine (Kris) Wiest Webb (David) of Jacksonville FL, niece Nikla Webb Lam (Tu), and great nephew, Evan Daniel Lam of Oviedo, FL, and aunt, Barbara (Bobby) Wiest Staton of Rapid City. Other survivors include a special cousin, Gwen Anderson Healey of Hot Springs, and friends Randy Zwetzig, Fort Collins, CO, Bambi Harris of Bardstown, KY, and Linda Friedman of Albuquerque, NM. A memorial service in the Black Hills area is planned for the Summer of 2012. A scholarship fund for a Newell High School senior who shares his passion for history has been established in Skip's name. Memorial contributions may be sent to Kristine Wiest Webb, 6927 Pottsburg Drive, Jacksonville, FL.