Roland W. Niemann passed away at his home March 15, at the age of 88. Roland was born November 1, 1935 in Wright City, to August and Lorena Niemann nee Niermann.
Roland graduated from Wright City High School in 1953. He was an avid basketball fan and through the 60’s & 70's attended most games, wrote articles for the local newspaper and even chaperoned a senior trip to FL. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel UCC in Wright City where his grandfather was a charter member. He served decades as the Sunday school superintendent, on the church council many years as well as a youth fellowship chaperone.
Roland served 2 years in the United States Army stationed in Germany from 1958-1960 where he discovered what would become a lifelong passion of bowling. Many bowlers became his close friends over his 60 + years. In 1967 Roland married the first love of his life, Bertha Singer and to this union 5 children- Debby, Dianna, Roland Jr., Kenny and Billy. They celebrated 22 years of marriage before her passing in 1989. A few years later Roland met and married Sharon Klos in 1992 where he gained 4 adult step-children. Roland and Sharon were married for 28 years before her passing in 2020.
Roland volunteered for and was a lifetime member of the Warren County Historical Society, served on the Warren County Fair board and supported the FFA and 4-H livestock auctions for over 50 years. He managed the Wright City MFA Co-op for over 30 years. Past Wright City Alderman, served on the Wright City Planning and Zoning board and was a member of the Wright City Chamber of Commerce, and Wright City Lions Club. Roland served as a volunteer firefighter for many years and was a member of the Avenue of Flags for the Wright City Cemetery. He was faithful in putting up and taking down hundreds of flags for patriotic holidays throughout the year. He also arranged a Memorial Day service each year, held in the cemetery complete with live music and guest speakers.
He supported the Wright City Blue and Gold Scholarship fund with both his time and money since its inception. For the last 20 years he bid and occupied the head table. He was a great supporter of the Wright City Community Food Pantry and Wright City School board member. He was the owner of Niemann Tax Service for over 50 years. Roland loved bowling, puzzles, growing roses and irises, travel and long car rides many times to neighboring churches Sunday fundraising dinners. He loved spending time in conversation with friends and family, especially the youngest ones, and his God. Through his volunteerism, community service and faith he inspired many in the way he lived his 88 years.
Roland is preceded in death by father August Niemann, mother Lorena (Niermann) Niemann, wife Bertha (Singer) Niemann, wife Sharon (Klos) Niemann, infant son Roland Niemann, Jr, son, Kenny Niemann, son, Billy Niemann, daughter Dianna Niemann-Harris, brother Harold Niemann, grandson, Trevor Davis, step-son Jimmy Beauchamp,
He is survived by daughter, Debby (Bernard) Birger of Collinsville, IL; daughter-in-law Cathy Niemann of Wright City, grandchildren- Kelly (Jen Vandiver) Colbert of Troy, Tyler Harris of St. Louis, Torrey (Jenny) Niemann of Wright City; Luke (Ashley) Zuhone of Wright City, Keith (Tara) Niemann of Wright City, Zack (Katie) Niemann of Warrenton, and Salena Niemann of Phoenix, AZ; 14 great-grandchildren; step-daughter, Becky (Chris) Clemens of Texas; 2 step-sons, Dan (Diane) Beauchamp of O'Fallon, Bill (Alana) Beauchamp of Troy; step-daughter-in-law Stacie Beauchamp; 12 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren.
From humble beginnings he leaves over 57 immediate family members, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, friends, and a community who will never forget him.
Visitation will be Monday, March 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pitman Funeral Home in Warrenton. The funeral will be Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Wright City. Memorial donations may be given to Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund, Wright City Food Pantry, or Immanuel UCC in care of Pitman Funeral Home.
