William I. Niese

Van Wert

William I. Niese, 87, died at 12:55 p.m. Dec. 9, 2009, at Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born Dec. 4, 1922, in Miller City to Lawrence and Elizabeth Schroeder Niese, who preceded him in death. In 1950, he married Mildred Langhals, who died Sept. 14, 1971. On July 27, 1980, he married Lorraine Poling, who survives.

Mr. Niese was a lifelong farmer on his family farm. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1757, Ottawa, for more than 50 years. He loved to dance and was a member of the Ohio Polka Boosters for several years. He dearly loved the Catholic Church. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors also include eight children, Joan M. Niese, of Oak Harbor, Angela L. (Kevin Champagne) Niese, of Eagan, Minn., Alphonse S. Niese, of Miller City, Peter J. Niese, of Ottawa, Barbara P. (Randy Runyan) Niese-Runyan, of Defiance, Marie M. (Dan Cass) Niese-Cass, of Continental, Carol C. (Donald) Schroeder, of New Bavaria, and Lawrence E. Niese, of Toledo; three stepchildren, Karen L. (Dr. Stephen) Reed, of Lexington, Ky., Keith L. (Sally) Poling, of Waterloo, Iowa, and Kathy L. Kotowski, of Medina; a sister, Polly Smith, of Ottawa; and 10 grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel W. Niese; a brother, Waldo Niese; and four sisters, Agnes Hueve, Mary Rieman, Louise Weis and Helen Rieman.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert. Father Mike Zacharias will officiate. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Miller City.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Parochial School or the Van Wert County Council on Aging.

Condolences may be sent to agfhc@embarqmail.com.