Niska, Douglas M. Father, Brother, Teacher & Coach. Age 68 of Maplewood Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 19th, 2014. Survived by his children Danielle (Michael Manhard) and Dylan (Maggie); grandchildren Asher, Abigail, Emily, Andrew and Jacob; sisters S. Kathleen Niska CSJ and Patricia Niska. Doug grew up in North St. Paul and graduated from the University of Minnesota. A talented painter and photographer, he shared his gifts by teaching art in the North St. Paul / Maplewood school district from 1967 to 2006, becoming the first graduate from North High School to return as a teacher. In his later years he served as district chair of the art department. During his tenure, Doug also coached high school and junior high baseball, hockey, and tennis, while also playing those sports throughout his lifetime. Aside from these accomplishments, Doug's family will remember his candid humor, love of reading, and passion for the outdoors. Mass Monday (December 22) at 11:30 am at PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1725 Kennard Street & Larpentuer with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Senior Recovery or The Center of Human Environment. Sandberg Family Funeral Home 651-777-2600 sandbergfuneralhome.com