Don Chris Josephson was born May 4, 1948. Don grew up in the community of Sidney, Montana, and was the only child of Chris and Wilma Zae Josephson. On September 4, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV, Don left us to begin a new life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and all of those gone before him. Don was preceded in death by his father, mother, grandparents, and many relatives.

In 1911, Don‘s grandparents had homesteaded land north of Sidney and established an amazing farm where he was later raised. Don’s father passed away when Don was just 7 years old. Thankfully Wilma and Don were surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins that had all taken a great interest in Don and were there to help his mother, Wilma raise him as much as they could. He had always remembered them with thankfulness and love.

In the next few years Wilma and Don left the farm and moved into Sidney. Don graduated in 1966 from Sidney high school and in 1970 from the Northwest Nazarene college in Nampa, Idaho. He then went to the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from there, he went to Dallas, Texas as youth pastor for several years before moving back to Sidney. Throughout the years Don excelled in voice and music. He was known to many for his beautiful powerful voice and ability to play many instruments. He was honored to sing or give a sermon whenever called upon.

In 1969 he married Jan Larson and to them they had 3 children; Michelle and (Trevor) Dishon, grandkids; Tylee and Tatym. Kim and (Willi) Schilling, grandkids; Jeremy and Hailee. Matt and (Breanne) Josephson, grandkids; Myli and Kash. Don became a lay pastor in the early 70’s and had assisted in many churches from Kansas, Texas, and many states in between before coming back to home to Sidney. In North Dakota he pastored for 36 years in Alexander at The Church of the Nazarene while also filling in for many pastors in Sidney and Williston.

In 1989, Don married Christine Thomas Lafrance in California and in Sidney they began a loving partnership honoring the Lord. They dedicated their lives to revolve around their faith, service to God, family, and each other. After Don retired in 2013, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to be closer to his daughter and granddaughters in warmer weather. Don enjoyed his retirement years by watching his grandchildren grow and develop. Don was so proud and loved them all with all his soul. He was always interested in everything they endeavored to do. These children were the light of his life. In 2014 two little Maltipoo puppies, ’Lucy and Lilly’ came into his life and he loved and cared for them like a good daddy should.

Don and Chris traveled to many places, San Diego, Whidbey Island, WA, Charleston, SC, Florida, Boston, and their favorite place Cape May, NJ. They also made many trips back to Montana where Don called home, to see grandchildren and family. Don also loved flying his plane and continued his flying lessons while he was in Las Vegas.

Don loved the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind and served him throughout his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. With his smile, jokes, laughter and spirit, he left his mark on everyone he met. His kids remember how everyone marveled over his friendly personality. His number one prayer would be for everyone to come to know Jesus and invite Him into their lives. Don was very loved and will be missed forever by all. A bright light has gone out on earth, but we know he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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

Memorial Contribution