Joseph Nienow

JOSEPH H. NIENOW

Joseph H. Nienow, age 85, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Winona Health.

He was born on May 23, 1931, in Lewiston, MN, to Meinert and Amanda (Strehlow) Nienow.  Joe graduated in 1949 from the Oak Grove High School in Fargo, ND.  He honorably served his country with the United States Navy on active duty from 1954 to 1958, and continued service in the Naval Reserves until 1962.

Joe was united in marriage with LaVera (Susie) Fort on November 13, 1954, at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona.  He was employed with Lake Center Industries in Winona, retiring after 38 years of service.

Joe was a member of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winona, where he served on the church council and also as an usher.  He was also a member of Westfield Golf Club, where he served for six years on the Board of Directors, two of those years he served as President.

After retirement, his favorite pastime was fishing for Blue Gills.  Joe and Susie would spend 12 summer weekends on a chain of six lakes near Chetek, WI, where he had a favorite spot on Lake Pokegama known as “Joe’s hot spot.”

Joe is lovingly survived by his wife, LaVera (Susie); son: Bruce (Tamara) Nienow; daughter: Susan (Chris) Galjour; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul; and sister, Rachel.

Visitation will be held at St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Monday, January 16, 2017, from 10:30 AM until the time of the funeral services at 11:30 AM.  The Reverend Richard A. Moore will officiate.

Following the service, the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors outside of the church.

Joe will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

It is respectfully requested that memorials be directed to St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Joe’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.