Michael Wayne Niichel

Michael Niichel, 69 years old, of Granville, IA, died Sunday, September 25, 2011 at his home near Granville.          Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen with Rev. Richard D. Ball officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Granville.   Graveside military honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 3328 and American Legion Post 222 of Remsen.  Visitation will be anytime after 1 p.m. until service time on Wednesday.  Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.        Michael was born July 7, 1942 at LeMars, IA, the son of Henry & Maurine Ann (Kokenge) Niichel.  He was raised on the family farm in Granville along with five sisters and one brother.  He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Granville graduating in 1960.  He then entered the U.S. Army and served as a Medic while stationed in France.  Upon returning to the U.S. he worked in construction and then began his career in farming.  He attended NCC in Sheldon, IA.        On Aug. 17, 1968 he married Joan Bormann at Indianola, IA. The couple made their home near Granville.  Together they raised four children.  In 1973 Mike took over the family farm.  While farming he also owned and operated a custom corn shelling business.        Michael was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Mike is remembered best for his quirky sense of humor, big heart and generous nature.  Mike remained in his family home on his farm until the time of his death.          Survivors include his wife, Joan of Granville; his daughter, Danielle Niichel of Charles City, IA, his son, Wayne Niichel & his wife Linda of Brandon, SD, his daughter, Ann Redinius & her husband Matthew of Kingsley, IA, his daughter, Annette Ouverson & her husband John of Urbandale, IA; seven grandchildren, Allyson, Tristen, Brayden, Payton, Emily, Rylann & Jacob; one brother, Thomas Niichel & his wife Karen of Osage, IA; five sisters, Annette Plagge & her husband Jim of LaPalma, CA, Pauline Vonderharr & her husband Jack of Albany, OR, Carol Jensen & her husband Stan of Nevada, IA, Bonnie Mai of Rapid City, SD, Linda Lenz & her husband Ron of Remsen, IA.          Preceded in death by: his parents, one sister, Jermaine in infancy and one granddaughter, Dena Marie in infancy.