Richard "Dick" Nienhaus

Richard “Dick” Nienhaus, age 91 of Fort Atkinson, IA, died on Friday, October 3, 2025, at his home in Fort Atkinson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 201 Oak Street, Fort Atkinson, IA, with Rev. Ivan Nienhaus presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home - Chekal Chapel, 201 East Main, Fort Atkinson, IA. Also, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. at the funeral home Friday morning before the service.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials made to St. John Catholic Church in Ft. Atkinson or any charity of your choice.

Dick Nienhaus was born on July 14, 1934, at home in Tripoli, Iowa, the son of Alfred and Monica (Huber) Nienhaus. He was baptized at the Pin Oak Catholic Church in rural Tripoli. Richard graduated from Fort Atkinson Public School in 1952. He served his country proudly from 1957-1959. Upon returning home, he went to work at the Nienhaus DX Station until retiring in 1978, a job he loved as he was serving people. Dick also served as U.S. Rural Mail Carrier for 39 years, retiring in 1996. Dick married Marilyn Kuennen on June 23, 1959, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA. Dick was actively involved in the Fire Dept., City Council, Parish Council, South Winneshiek Country Club, Fort Atkinson Historical Museum along with several other civic groups.

Dick is survived by his wife Marilyn. Children: Fr. Ivan Nienhaus, Cedar Falls, IA: Kevin (Margie) Nienhaus, Lakewood, CO, Brian (Cindy) Nienhaus, Frederick, CO and Sharon (Steve) Samec, New Hampton, IA. Grandchildren: Daniel (Katie) Nienhaus, Michael Nienhaus, Angela Nienhaus, John Nienhaus, Laryn (Noah) Fletcher, Matthew (Katelyn) Samec, Dominic (Carlie) Samec, Joshua Samec. Great grandchildren: Zander Nienhaus, Noel and Leon Fletcher, Maggie, Bennett, and Owen Samec, Mason, Natalie and Molly Samec. Siblings and In-laws: Darlys Rausch, Phyllis Kipp and Mary (Donald ) Kuennen.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents: Alfred and Monica (Huber) Nienhaus. Brothers: Ray Nienhaus and Carroll Nienhaus. Sister: Barb Dagit. Mother and father-in-law: Nick and Frances Kuennen. In-laws: Donald Rausch, Kenneth Kipp, Rose Ann Nienhaus, Delbert & Mary Ann Kuennen, Richard & Dolorita Kuennen, Bernard & Victoria Schmitt, Timothy Bodensteiner, Norma & Gary Wegner, Patrica Kuennen, Gaylord Kuennen.