Obituary: Bernard G. Niehaus

Bernard G. Niehaus, 86, better known as Bernie, a respected business owner in the lumber industry and a dedicated philanthropist, passed away peacefully at his home in Vincennes, Indiana on February 27, 2024. Born on October 5, 1937, in Vincennes, IN he is the son of Francis and Naomi (Oakes) Niehaus.

Bernie attended Saint Meinrad High School from 1951 – 1954 and was a member of the Board of Overseers from 1994-2012 and continued as an emeritus member until his death. He was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. Bernie was very active in philanthropy at St. Meinrad. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1955, Bernie attended Vincennes University from 1955 – 1957 and Michigan State University from 1957-1959 and obtained his bachelor’s degree from there in Forestry and Business. Bernie met his beloved wife, Patty of sixty-one years while attending Vincennes University and they were married on October 13, 1962.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Bernie became President of the family lumber business started by his father Francis, and grandfather Benjamin which had been run by his mother Naomi since his father died in 1944. He brought back many ideas from college and started a cash-and-carry system. The business continued to grow over the years as first his three sons and now six grandchildren work there with many other grandchildren working there through high school and college.

Throughout his life, Bernie made significant contributions to his community and beyond. He was recognized as the Indiana Philanthropist of the Year in 2023 and was awarded the C. James McCormick Community Leader by the Knox County Chamber in 2022. His commitment to education and service was evident in his involvement with institutions such as Vincennes University, where he served on the Board of Directors from 1970-1993 and was the Vincennes University Board Chair from 1989-1993. He received the Walter A. Davis Award from the Alumni Association in 1988, was a founding member of the Vincennes University Newman Center, and has been on the Vincennes University Foundation Board since 1993.

Bernie was a leader in various other organizations as well, as he served the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Foundation from 1991 – 2000 and was Vincennes Catholic Schools Alumni of the Year in 1978. His contributions extended to the business sector, where he served on the American Bank Board of Directors from 1977- 1995, as Director at First Federal Savings and Loan from 1971 – 1985 and served as President of the Indiana Lumber Dealers Association in 1980.

In recognition of his exceptional leadership and service to his community, Bernie received honors such as the Sagamore of the Wabash from the State of Indiana in 1988 and an Honorary Doctorate from Vincennes University in 2007. His impact on the community was further exemplified by accolades including the Sycamore Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Indiana Lumber Dealers Association in 2005 and the Civitan of the Year in 2007. Bernie has also written two books, Splinters I and II, and throughout the books, he shares his wisdom and life experiences about family matters, business operations, the Catholic Church, and his community.

Most importantly though, faith and family were the center of Bernie’s life. He is a lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier parish (St. John the Baptist), and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve was very special to him – memories of his deep baritone singing Oh Come All Ye Faithful will be forever in our hearts. He was an amazing husband, dad, papa, and great-grandpa to his ever-growing crew. Weekends spent at Kentucky Lake began in the 1960s and continued for the next sixty-plus years. His happy place was on the deck or the boat, enjoying watching his kids and grandkids play.

Bernie is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-one years Patty (O’Neill) Niehaus, his five children, Anne Pratt (Brian Spradling), Butch Niehaus (Tina Thomas), Catherine Lawless (Steve), David Niehaus (Maggie FitzGerald), and Eric Niehaus (Teresa Robinson). His beloved nineteen grandchildren, Brennan Pratt, Julia Pratt Klock (Trey), Alec Pratt, Kevin Pratt, Mallory Niehaus Irvin (William), Nick Niehaus, Megan Niehaus, Molly Niehaus, Jensen Lawless, Johnny Lawless, Mickey Lawless, Emily Niehaus Jones (Cody), Ben Niehaus (Kate Ellermann), Katie Niehaus, Abby Niehaus, Bailey Niehaus Mickens (Avory), Jackson Niehaus (Madison Heiden), Natalie Niehaus, Charlie Niehaus, and step-grandchildren, Sydney and Audrey Spradling. He also is survived by his seven great-grandchildren, Charlotte Irvin, Addison Irvin, Samantha Jones, Milleigh Niehaus, Elizabeth “Libby” Kate Niehaus, Maurice Mickens, and Theodore Niehaus. Also mourning his loss are a sister, Sondra Glennon (Tim), sister-in-law’s Elizabeth DePalma (Al), Kay Heffernan (Dick, deceased), Barbara McGaughey (Jerry), and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, his son-in-law, Robert Pratt, and his sister-in-law, Margaret Hebert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 803 Main St., Vincennes, Indiana, 47591 on March 9, 2024, at 10:00 am. Prior to the mass, a public viewing will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on March 8, 2024, from 3:00 pm. – 7:00 pm. Bernie will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations to the Christian Education Foundation and the Niehaus Family Scholarship through the Vincennes University Foundation, organizations that held special significance to Bernie. Online memories may be left for Bernie’s family and friends at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Bernie and his family.

Source: Goodwin-Sievers Family Funeral Home