William "Bill" Niichel

William (Bill) Niichel was born in Pipestone Minnesota on March 1, 1937 as the youngest of 8 children to William and Margaret Niichel.

When Bill was a young boy, the family moved to Jesup Iowa where Bill would spend the next 65 years. His entrepreneur spirit began at age 10 when he began selling watermelons. He attended St. Athanasius grade school in Jesup and St. John’s High School in Independence.  Upon graduation, he learned the trade of home and cabinet building from his brothers. This led to him owning his own cabinet shop in Jesup. He later passed these building skills to son.

While running his cabinet shop Bill also began pursuing his love of farming.  With Mary Ann’s help he acquired several farms and raised corn and soybeans for years.

Bill’s life changed when Mary Ann moved to Jesup to teach; from their first date at a football game to his building her a small wooden church to seal their future. They were happily married for 62 years and had three children; Bob, Bill and Lisa. Family and faith were the highest of importance to Bill.  He taught his children the importance of a strong work ethic, to be kind and show respect and to enjoy every day. The family spent a lot of time together including many in state and out of state camping trips, some in campers that he made himself.

Bill was always on the go; in addition to working in the cabinet shop and farming he always found time for fun and adventure.  Many weekends were spent at their cabin at Lake Delhi. He enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, golfing and atving.  He loved exploring the country and enjoying beautiful scenery.

Bill and Mary Ann moved to Colorado 2002 to be closer to family who had all moved to Colorado. Later winters were spent in Arizona.

Despite living a great life, Bill encountered some hard set-backs.  He had open heart surgery at age 35 and suffered the loss of their son Bob, who passed away at age 59.

Bill also loved meeting people and bringing a smile to their face; he never met a stranger.  He loved life and to have fun; he’s well known for his joke telling. Bill always looked for the positive and to “make everyday count”, he titled his self memoir with this motto.

Bill is survived by his wife, son Bill (Caela), daughter  Lisa

(Mark), daughter in law Dixie and 7 grandchildren, Page and Zach Niichel, Jack and Tommy Binter, Macy Niichel, Austin, Chase and Maddox Jackson, Katie (Derek) Baechler. His sister Regina Niichel and brother in law Dean (Gerrie) Buresh.