Martin Bert Nieman, 86, of Britt passed away on Monday, July 3, 2006 at Westview
Care Center in Britt.
Martin, the son of Albert and Eva (Borchers) Nieman, was born August 16, 1919 in
Kanawha. He was baptized and a member of the Kanawha Christian Reformed
Chruch. He attended country schools of Amsterdam Township through eighth
grade. He then helped his father of the family farm northeast of Kanawha.
Martin enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1941 and proudly served
his country with the 133rd Infantry division during World War II while stationed
in Ireland, Italy and Africa. Martin received the Purple Heart Medal for
injuries he received in April of 1944 in Italy and was honorably discharged in
August of 1945. Following his discharge, Martin again farmed northeast of
Kanawha.
On November 25, 1955 Martin married Joyce Vander Ploeg at the home of Joyce's
parents in Holland, Michigan. In March of 1956, they moved to their farm
northwest of Britt. Martin and Joyce retired to their home in Britt in 1996.
Martin was a member of the Woden Christian Reformed Church where he served on
the church council and various committees.
He loved farming and enjoyed watching sports, gardening, carpentry, and spending
time with his family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce and three children: Karen (Pat)
George of Lakeville, Minnesota. Jill of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Jim (Julie) of
Kanawha; seven grandchildren: Christopher George, Benjamin, Courtney, Stephanie,
Michael, Issac, and Emily Nieman; sisters-in-law: Delia Mouw of Zeeland,
Michigan and Lillian Vander Ploeg of Kanawha and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and their spouses:
Grace (Ben) Blank, Tina (Edd) Luppen, Casper (Tillie) Nieman, John (June)
Nieman, Ed (Dorothy) Nieman and Jennie (John) Eekhoff and brothers-in-law,
Harold Mouw and Clarence Vander Ploeg.