Herbert F. Niehues, 83, of rural Corning, KS, died Monday, June 26, 2000, shortly after arrival at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca. He had complications of diabetes which caused his failing health.

He was born January 6, 1917, on a farm southeast of Kelly, the son of Frank and Elizabeth Steinlage Niehues. He grew up there, attended St. Bede’s School at Kelly, and helped on the family farm.

When he was 19 years old, he moved to West Union, IA, where he worked for his Uncle Tony Steinlage on his farm. He returned to Kelly in 1940 and farmed in the area.

On May 8, 1951, he married Regina “Jean” Neusch in St. Francis, TX. They farmed for many years at their present home north of Corning. She survives of the home.

He was a member of St. Bede’s Church and the St. Joseph Society at the church in Kelly, and served on the church board. He was a 50-year, lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Seneca. He was a Nemaha County Commissioner from 1982 to 1988. He served on the District #442 School Board during the consolidation of area high schools, the Board of the Nemaha County Historical Society, the Nemaha County Co-op Board, the Illinois Township Board, and the NECAP Board. He had served as the president of the Nemaha County Farmer’s Union. He was the Illinois Township Democratic Committeeman for many years.

Survivors besides his wife, Regina “Jean” of the home are five sons, Frank, Leo, and Roy Niehues, all of Corning, Galen Niehues of Seneca, and Gary Niehues of Lincoln, NE; two daughters, Catherine Williams of Topeka and Theresa Sudbeck of Seneca; a brother, Ferdinand Niehues of Goff; five sisters, Norbertine Miller and Frances Rottinghaus, both of Seneca, Bernadine Niehues and Rita Niehues, both of Goff, Florence Hermesch of Meriden, KS; and 16 grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 7 PM Wednesday and 2 & 7 PM Thursday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given for St. Bede’s Church, the Nemaha County Training Center, or Nemaha County Historical Society, and sent in care of the family.