Niehans
DEWARD RAY NIEHANS
June 22, 1928 November 19, 2019
Deward Ray Niehans (Dee) lost his battle with cancer in the early morning of November 19, 2019. He was 91 years old.
Dee was born June 22, 1928 and was raised by his parents Albert and Muriel Niehans in Penrose, CO. He attended the Penrose School graduating from high school in 1946 and went on to graduate from the University of Colorado in 1950. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Marjorie Boyd, on June 19, 1949. They moved around a few times with different employment opportunities after college and eventually ended up in Colorado Springs, working for Nestles, the Broadmoor Hotel, Kaufman's and finally Lorig's. In 1963 he started his own retail business, Dee's Clothing Inc. which soon became Dee's Western Wear and Bushwhacker's.
During the time he operated his stores, Dee was a gleaming example of being an active participant in his community as a member of the Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce, the El Paso County 4H board and founding President of the Pikes Peak Little Britches Rodeo Association. He was a member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders from 1970 to 2019, PPRR Board of Directors from 1971 to 1981, PPRR Ride Director in1984 and Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Board of Directors. He was also an active member of the East Side Rotary and Soil Savers. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan awarded him Colorado Small Business Person of the Year.
Dee is survived by his two sons, Jim (Michelle) and John (Susan). In addition to his wife, Marjorie, he was predeceased by his daughter, Patti Auxier (Pat), and his younger brother Ken Niehans (Bev). He leaves behind three grandchildren, Kyle Rupley, Shaina Aylward and Max Niehans. His only great grandchild, Henry Aylward, was born on May 4, 2018.
Dee asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, American Cancer Society of Colorado or the Alzheimer's Association: Colorado Chapter.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 5t1 in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
I worked with Dee Niehan's daughter, Patti Auxier for many years. Although I never met him, Patti's conversation was always filled with the fun things she got to do with him. What an incredible bond between daughter and Dad, one I envy with my own girls.
I never met Mr. Niehans, but through Patti, I feel I know what a kind, compassionate man he was.
I find myself missing them both.
God go with this wonderful family in the years ahead.
Michael Decker
December 5, 2019
Going back many years, My Dad and Mom , Jerome and Verna Kinner taught in Penrose and became good friends with Al and Muriel Niehans. I remembert) Jerry (my brother) and I loved their house, and the family. Many fond memories!
Martha Kinner Wisner Turlock, CA
December 3, 2019
I worked with his daughter Patti for years. She adored him and savored their time together, especially enjoying many long bike rides with him throughout the years. I'm so happy they're together again in Heaven. My condolences to the family who have suffered several losses in the last 2 years.
Kris Abbott
December 3, 2019
I know that my Dad valued Dee's management and enjoyed working with him. May memories of his life be a blessing to you all.
Kate Lorig
December 3, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss! I remember Dee being very kind to me when I used to hang out at my Dad's store as a child. May fond memories keep him in your hearts.
Connie Lorig
December 3, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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