Joseph G. “Joe” Niehues, Jr., 18, of Corning, KS, died suddenly at the scene of a one-car accident south of Corning on Wednesday, January 1, 2003.

He was born February 25, 1984, in Seneca, KS, the son of Joseph G. and Judy Wempe Niehues. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Corning. He graduated from Unified District #380 Grade School and from Centralia High School in 2002. Joe played high school football, and was active in other sports including baseball and basketball when he was younger. He was named a Regent Scholar and received an academic scholarship to the University of Kansas. He was currently a freshman student in mechanical engineering at KU. He helped on the family farm, and had also worked in Seneca at Fort Markley and as a press operator at CR Industries.

Joe was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. During high school he was a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Survivors are his parents, Joe and Judy Niehues of Corning; and his grandparents, Paul and Rita Wempe of Seneca.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Saturday, January 4, at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 8 PM Thursday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca and at 2 & 7 PM Friday at St. Patrick’s Church in Corning.

Memorials may be given for St. Patrick’s Church or for a scholarship at Centralia High School, and sent in care of the family.