John Charles Nienaber Sr.

Grandpa Nienaber Obituary

September 3rd, 1942 – November 4th, 2024

John Nienaber was born on September 3rd, 1942, in Morris Minnesota to the parents of Charles Nienaber & Lucille (Fitzgerald) Nienaber. He was the 2nd oldest of 6 children. The family moved to Rocky Ledge Resort on Lake Kabetogama. After things got busy, they moved to Lemon Grove California for 8 years. After that they moved to various places in Villard MN where he graduated high school. After graduation he joined the USMC from 1960 to 1966. While in the Marines he achieved the ranks of Sargent. During this time, while serving at Great Lakes Naval base near Libertyville, Illinois; he met Carol V. Graber. The two were united in marriage on April 25th, 1964 and were married for 60 years. The couple moved to a farm in Sedan MN. Eventually they settled in Garfield MN where they raised two children Christine and John Jr.

John was one of the first employees hired at 3M when the company moved to Alexandria. He worked various positions at 3M and retired after 33 years. During retirement he drove many cars for different dealerships and worked at Granite City Armored Car for 10 years. John was a dedicated firefighter for Garfield Fire Department which he retired from after 27 years. He had many hobbies, he lived to go fishing. He loved deer hunting, in the 70’s he was part of a pit crew in Alexandria for a stock car. One of his biggest hobbies was drinking beer and getting into shenanigans with his best friend, the late Curly Carlson causing much stress for his wife and Nancy Carlson. He enjoyed being Santa’s helper around Christmas time and tricking his grandkids. He enjoyed sitting around listening to 50’s music and the local swap shop on AM radio.

John is proceeded in death by his wife Carol Nienaber, Charles & Lucille Nienaber, Harold & Helen Graber, Char & Frank Nelson, Dwayne Nienaber, Brother-in-law Ronald Graber, Sister-in-law Linda Koch, and a set of miscarried twins.

He is survived by two children Christine (Nienaber) Houck of Garfield MN, John Jr (Carla) Nienaber of Garfield MN. Grandchildren Catie, Asheley (Logan) Olivero, Quinton, Breeanna, Mikayla, Daunte and Great Grandchildren Brendin and Joziah. Sisters Marshielle(Daryl) and Bonnie; brother Donny (Jane) and Sister-in-Law Elaine. Sister in Laws Marcia (Bruce), Karen (Jamie), Susie and brother in law Richard. And several Nieces and Nephews

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Garfield.