Mearle R. Nieman

Mearle R. Nieman, 96, of Winnebago, passed away Thursday, February 3, 2022.  Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 7, 2022 at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time.  Burial will be at Omaha Valley Cemetery.

Mearle was born the son of John and Gladys (Van Houten) Nieman on December 21, 1925 in Winnebago, Nebraska.  He attended country school in rural Winnebago.  Mearle married Carrie Krause on July 29, 1951.  They farmed East of Homer for a few years before moving West of Winnebago in 1956 where they made their lifelong home.

Mearle was a farmer through and through for almost a century.  He lived through the Great Depression and saw farming technology evolve from shucking corn to satellite driven combines.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, going to town for coffee, and driving around to look at his crops and admire other farmer’s straight lines. 

He was a former longtime member and treasurer of the former Presbyterian church in Winnebago and the Methodist church in Walthill.  He became a member of the Omaha Valley Cemetery Board in 1994 and was instrumental in many improvements made over the years. 

Mearle is survived by his children, Dan (Melanie) Nieman of Ponca, Bonnie Belongea (Kevin) of South Sioux City, Karen Nieman of Wayne, Tom Nieman (Doreen) of Dakota City, and Rod (Michelle) Nieman of Dakota City; brother, Chester Nieman of Dakota City; sister, Bernice Gesch of Amarillo, Texas; grandchildren, Tara (Trevor), Tami (Justin), Michelle (Shannon), Chris (Raeann), Nick (Kayla), Carrie (Alex), James (Kendra), and Jessica; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carrie; siblings, Elmer, Albert, Marv, and Beverly; son-in-law, Milton; and brother-in-law, Bill.