Clayton James Nieman

July 13, 1923 — March 17, 2008

Clayton Nieman passed away on March 17, 2008, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was born on Friday, July 13th, 1923, to George and Charlotte (Hronek) Nieman in Pocahontas, Iowa. Clayton moved to Spencer with his family in 1939. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1942. After graduation, Clayton worked as an aircraft mechanic for Hunter's flying Service in Spencer until he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp. in 1944. After extensive schooling he became a flight engineer on B-24 and B-29 aircraft. While stationed in Pueblo, Co, he met and married Jean Allen. They were married on base by Fr. Grannon who at the time said the marriage wouldn't last because of Jean's young age (the Niemans celebrated their 62nd anniversary last May!) Upon their return to Spencer after the war, Clayton joined his father as the Standard Oil bulk agent. Later he joined People's Natural Gas as a service technician where he remained for 7 years until he opened his own sewing machine sales and service center to compliment Jean's fabric business. Clayton also served as a volunteer fireman at the Spencer Fire Department for many years. Clayton and Jean combined their businesses when they opened Nieman's Sewing Center which they operated together until their retirement. Since retirement, Clayton and Jean traveled extensively in their RV until landing in Mesa AZ where they have owned a winter home for the past 15 years. Summers were spent visiting family and friends and enjoying life. Clayton was preceded in death by his parents, George and Charlotte, his brother George Jr., and nephew Bruce Nieman, grandson Greg Nieman and granddaughter Keshia Anderson. He is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Jane (Jim) Geving, Madison, WI, Jennifer (Greg) Maharry, Webster City, Joni (Brent) Culver, Cedar Rapids, sons Jim, Fairmont MN, Mark, LeMars, Joe (Sharon) LeMars, 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. The attending doctor at Clayton's birth told the new parents that being born on Friday the 13th was lucky and that Clayton would be a wealthy man someday. While not wealthy in a monetary sense, Clayton had a very rich life surrounded by loving family, great friends and his beautiful gardens. Those that have had the good fortune to know Clayton will find it difficult to meet anyone that was more genuine, good natured and honorable. He was truly a person that made the world a better place.

SERVICES

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer.

OFFICIATING

Father Brent Lingle

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

Visitation will begin at 6:30 P.M., Tuesday with the family present from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., Tuesday evening at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer. There will be a Vigil Service at 6:30 P.M. Tuesday night at Warner Funeral Home in Spencer.

MUSIC

GATHERING SONG 'Here I Am, Lord' PRESENTATION OF GIFTS 'Hosea' COMMUNION HYMN 'On Eagle's Wings' COMMITTAL SONG 'Hand Of God' SENDING FORTH SONG 'Sing To The Mountain'

INTERMENT

North Lawn Memorial Park at a later date. The family asks that the memorials be sent to Hospice of Northwest Iowa.

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