Paul Nieman

Paul Richard Nieman, 70, died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at his home in Gem, Kansas. He was born September 2, 1943 in Grinnell, the son of Nicholas and Lucy (Broeckelman) Nieman. He graduated from Grinnell High School in 1961, and attended FHSU. He then served in the U.S. Army, where he did active duty in Vietnam. He received a Purple Heart along with several other honors during his service in the Army. He was a life time member of the V.F.W and served as Fire Chief for Gem Fire Department.

Paul was a carpet layer by trade most of his life, but found his true calling by driving the Golden Plains Activity Bus. He was a huge sports fanatic, which made driving the activity bus his dream job. During this time, he was not only his grand kids’ biggest fan, but also ALL of the kids that rode on his bus to the sporting and extra-curricular activities during his reign as bus driver at Golden Plains. He was always on the bench cheering for a win.

His was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Alvan “Tiny”; two sisters, Erma Louise Nieman and Alma Gillispie.

Paul is survived by three sons and two daughters, Ron (Whitney) Nieman of Colwich, KS, Denny (Traci) Nieman of Gem, KS, Mindy (Parker) Christensen of Rexford, KS, Julie (Warren) Ziegelmeier of Gem, KS, Greg (Ericka) Nieman of Edmond, OK, and 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Jean (Don) Loader, of Salina, KS; five brothers, Jerry (Helen) Nieman of Golden, CO, Jim (Pat) Nieman, and Kenny Nieman, of Garden City, KS, Lawrence (Judy) Nieman, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Raymond (Kathy) Nieman, of Hays, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen and a Memorial services will be at 2pm, Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Rexford Community Church, 205 Main Street, Rexford, Kansas, followed by a gravesite service at the Gem Cemetery, Gem, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Paul Nieman Memorial Fund in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, Kansas 67701. Online Condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com