Francis Duane Nold

Francis Duane Nold (Fran), beloved husband, father, papa (grandfather and great grandfather), brother, uncle, and friend passed away on June 24th 2024.

Fran was born November 29th 1929, to Florence Amelia Anderson and Norman Nold, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fran had two brothers, Norman and Steve and one Sister, Cynthia. Fran remained in Sioux Falls for his childhood and first met Marilyn Hermanson, his wife to be, in grade school. Fran started his formal education at Augustana College. His college education at Augie was interrupted by the Korean war when his reserve unit was called to active duty. He served two years as an Electronics Technician in the Navy at Lualualei in Hawaii. After his active duty, he resumed his studies, and graduated from Augustana with Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics. Fran completed his education at South Dakota State University, receiving Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He then spent one year teaching at the University as an Assistant Electrical Engineering Instructor.

Fran then set out to pursue his elementary school sweetheart, Marilyn, who had moved to Denver Colorado to teach English and Biology. Marilyn had come to Colorado to take some teaching classes. She enjoyed the climate and activities so much that she decided to stay. Fran accepted a job at Martin Marietta in Denver in 1957. Marilyn and Fran were married three months later on August 4th 1957.

During his career with Martin Marietta Fran progressed from a design engineer to an engineering manager. He worked on ground electrical hardware and associate software for the Titan elevator, erector, water and umbilical control, thrust and weight measurement, as well as propellant transfer and pressurization. He also worked on the Apollo program developing and optimizing ground electrical systems. Later he worked on the Mars Viking Lander (from proposal to launch) and was responsible for developing the systems test equipment and test sequences used to verify the Viking telemetry, and Landed Science components (including the camera and robotic arm) for the first vehicle to land on Mars. For the Viking missions he spent time in mission control. He was very proud to be a part of the Viking program. Fran finished his distinguished 34-year career working on Classified programs for the Department of Defense. During his career he received many honors including a Public Service Medal from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Fran and Marylin enjoyed traveling, including trips to Egypt, China, Europe, Norway, Australia, and the coast of South America. They enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

In Denver they have been members of Holy Spirt Lutheran Church and later Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Holy Trinity has been an important part of their life for the last 40 years. 

Fran and Marilyn have two children, Scott and Amy. As a family they enjoyed exploring Colorado’s ski slopes, popup camping, canoeing, and fishing. He was an avid gardener and liked nothing better than a garden grown tomato on his bacon, lettuce sandwich on Sunday. 

Fran is survived (and will be missed) by his wife Marilyn Nold, Janet and Scott, their children Jimmie and his wife Andrea, Heather, and Lyndsey. As well as Amy and Rick Yarbrough and their daughters Ciara and husband Justin, Chelsea and husband Jeremy, Madison, and Micaela.

Please share memories of Fran and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below. 

If you would like to provide a donation in memory of Francis Duane Nold, Please visit St. Jude's Hospital or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Littleton.