Edward L. Niemeier

Edward L. Niemeier, 84, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, September, 20, 2024, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill, with his loving wife, Kathy, by his side.

Born on July 23, 1940, in Alton, Ill., to the late Gilbert E. and Verneta (Gusewelle) Niemeier, Ed lived a full and remarkable life. Ed graduated from Litchfield High School in 1958. After high school, he enlisted in the US Army in 1960 and transferred over to the National Guard, serving until 1967. He built a successful and respected farming operation as a first-generation farmer in Edwardsville, Ill. Ed leaves behind a lasting legacy that will endure through his family and the farming community. He was the proud patriarch of the Niemeier family, the source of strength and inspiration for his children and grandchildren.

Farming was not only Ed’s occupation but his lifelong passion. He dedicated long days to his crops and livestock. He raised nationally-recognized, purebred Hampshire sheep, showing and selling across the US. Beyond the farm, Ed loved sports and competition, but nothing rivaled love for his family. He enjoyed sharing stories when they all gathered under one roof at his farm. He will be remembered as a man of hard work, grit, strong will, and unwavering love for his family.

Ed’s pride in his family was evident. He was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife, Kathy, whom he married on June 15, 2006. Ed is survived by his children and their mother, Susan Moss Henke, whom he was married to from 1960-1984; Keith Niemeier and his wife Vickie of Pocahontas, Ill; Mike Niemeier and his wife Beth of Edwardsville, Ill; Christine Niemeier of Lodi, Wis; Gary Niemeier and his wife Shelly of Edwardsville, Ill; and stepson Aaron May and his wife Jessica of Edwardsville, Ill. Nothing brought Ed more fulfillment and joy than his 15 grandchildren. He was their unyielding advocate, attending countless sporting events, confirmations and graduations throughout the years. His legacy lives on through Kaylee Paredes, Steve Niemeier, Ashley Ernst, Daniel Niemeier, Brandon Niemeier, Abbie Niemeier, Joe Conklin, Katelyn Conklin, Madison Conklin, Hannah Niemeier, Garrett Niemeier, Maura Niemeier, Emma Niemeier, Aidan May and Wyatt May, as well as his 11 great-grandchildren.

Ed is also survived by his sisters, Janice Kerrigan of Bend, Ore., and Sue Trammel and her husband George of Marion, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his memory will be cherished dearly by his family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be at the funeral home on Friday, September 27, at 11:00 am with Rev. Jess Biermann presiding, followed by a burial at Prairietown Cemetery in Prairietown, Ill. Ed’s family asks that memorials are directed to Trinity Lutheran Church of Edwardsville, Ill. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

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