Beloved Inventor and Outdoorsman Donald E. Niosi Dies at 82

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Donald Emil Niosi, an 82-year-old former U.S. Navy servicemember and prolific inventor who worked at RFA Engineering in Minnesota, passed away on March 4, 2026 in Punta Gorda, Florida. Niosi is survived by his wife Jeanne, his two children, and four grandchildren, and will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and love of the outdoors.

Why it matters

Niosi's life story reflects the experiences of many engineers and inventors who dedicated their careers to developing innovative products, while also finding joy in hobbies like boating, biking, and car shows. His passing is a loss felt by his local communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and Florida, where he was an active member.

The details

During his engineering career, Niosi worked on the design of John Deere mowers, landscape equipment, and tractors, earning multiple patents. He spent most of his career at RFA Engineering in Minneapolis. In his free time, Niosi cherished trips to his cabin on the Mississippi River in Iowa, where he enjoyed boating, biking, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an active member of car clubs in Guttenberg, Iowa and Punta Gorda, Florida.

• Niosi was born on July 16, 1943 in Rockville Centre, New York.
• He served in the United States Navy.
• Niosi passed away on March 4, 2026 in Punta Gorda, Florida.