Ila Mae Nieman

Ila Mae Nieman, 89, Hanover, passed away Friday, August 15th, 2025, at the Hanover Hospital in Hanover, KS.

Friends signed the register book on Sunday, August 24, from noon to 8:00 p.m. at the Hanover Mortuary. The family greeted visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 25, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanover. Rev. Elvin Crosby officiated. Janet Fritschi played the organ. Music included "In the Garden," "How Great Thou Art," and "Here I Am Lord." The honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren, Shannon Nieman, Brock Nieman, Rodney Nieman, Chad Nieman, Jessica Berroteran, Christopher Nieman, Madeline Nieman, Rory Nieman, and Cody Nieman.

Private burial was in the Hanover City Cemetery.

Mae was born on December 7, 1935, in Hanover to Emil F. and Anna M. (Wollenberg) Koch. In 1953, she graduated from Hanover High School. On May 25, 1957, she married Vernon W. Nieman at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hanover. She worked various jobs over the years, including at Hanover High School. She spent most of her career as an Underwriter for Bremen Farmers Mutual Insurance before retiring. Outside of being a parent and grandparent, the job she took the most pride in was being the organist for Zion Lutheran Church for the better part of 71 years. She began playing the organ during her high school years at age 14 and retired as the organist at Zion Lutheran and St John's Lutheran in Lanham at the age of 85. She played for countless weddings and funerals over the years, and took great pride in doing so. She was a member of the women’s group WELCA at Zion, and was part of the group of quilters who made many quilts to be donated for fundraising efforts. Mae was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church and a very proud mother and grandmother. Mae loved to attend her children's and grandchildren's concerts, sporting events, and any other activities they were involved in. She had a lifelong love of music. One of her goals was to teach her sons how to play the piano, but they failed her on that endeavor. She was able to teach some of her grandkids to play the piano. Mae was an avid quilter, including making each grandchild a high school graduation quilt, as well as a quilt for their weddings. She took great joy in getting photos of them with their quilts and their spouses. She loved to cook and was well known among her grandkids as a great chef of cinnamon rolls and triple-layer birthday cakes.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Vernon; her parents; stepfather, Fred Hinrichs; three infant brothers; her cherished sister, Elva Jean; step-granddaughter, Nanette Stringer; step-great-grandson, Tyler Courtois; brother-in-law, Marvin Rippe; and nephew, Scott Rippe.

Survivors include her sons, Daniel (Mary) Nieman, Bella Vista, AR; Michael (Kathy) Nieman, McPherson; Gregory (Wendy) Nieman, Olathe; and Charles (Bobbi) Nieman, Hanover; sisters in law, Vernita Rippe, Hanover, Marlene (Marvin) Bures, Odell, NE and LaDonna (Guy) Shalla, Fairbury, NE; nine grandchildren, one step-grandchild, eight great grandchildren, ten step great-grandchildren, and two step great-great grandchildren. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In memory of Mae, the family will designate how memorial contributions will be used within the Hanover community. Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508