Le Mars, Iowa - Douglas John Niehus, 56, of Le Mars, IA died on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen after a brief illness. A celebration of Doug's life and Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at All Saints Catholic Parish-St. Joseph Church in Le Mars. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. The family will host a luncheon after the services. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024, with a scriptural prayer service at 6 p.m. at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will also be one hour of visitation before the Mass on Saturday morning.

Doug was born January 16, 1968, in Le Mars to Walter Joseph and Rita Regina (Rolfes) Niehus. Doug was the 6th of 7 siblings and loved by his brothers and sister. Growing up, Doug helped on the family farm outside of Le Mars, including milking cows, feeding animals, walking beans, driving the John Deere, and planting and harvesting tasks. Doug looked forward to baling times, as he enjoyed joking and working with all the "hired help."

Doug lived his life with a positive attitude and a smile despite challenges. At an early age, school bus-mates nicknamed Doug "Smiley", for his perpetual grin and outgoing demeanor. He attended Le Mars Community School for 13 years and participated for many years in the Iowa Special Olympics including track & field and bowling, for which he was named the State Champ. Doug enjoyed participating in 4H with his brothers, sister, and neighbors and showed hogs at the Plymouth County Fair while a teenager. He enjoyed family reunions, riding his bike, swimming, watching TV, and visiting with members of the community. Doug showed a great memory for recalling birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates.

He worked at Lifeskills in the Le Mars area for many years, helping with laundry and janitorial work. He was a member of the Pride Group and met and maintained many friendships there over the years, including living in several group homes. He also belonged to Aktion Club, happily participating in various uplifting community events and outings.

Doug enjoyed his family including his many nieces and nephews, visiting them in CA, CO, FL, IA, UT, and WA and welcoming them to visit him in Le Mars, especially during the Plymouth County Fair and Ice Cream Days. He remained always curious and thoughtfully interested in others: asking about family, activities, and events going on in their life. Doug enjoyed his time as a lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Parish including frequent service as Mass greeter and bulletin distributor.

Doug is survived by four brothers and a sister and their families: Ken (Mary) Niehus of Le Mars, Rose Hanson (Niehus) of Johnston IA, Gerry (Monika) Niehus of Hesperia CA, Dan (Renee) Niehus of Castle Rock CO and Mark (Karla) Niehus of Prosper TX. Survivors also include a Sister-In-Law, Angela Niehus and many nephews and nieces, his Aunt Sister Fidelis Rolfes of Chicago and Uncle Bill Foley of Le Mars, and numerous cousins.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents Wally and Rita, brother-in-law Steve Hanson, and brother Tom.
The Niehus Family wishes to express their loving gratitude to the many kind and loving staff and patrons of Pride Group, Lifeskills, All Saints Catholic Parish, Avera Health System, and Happy Siesta, as well as many, many community members who knew Doug and greeted him by name and showed him kindness.

Memorials in honor of Doug may be directed to Aktion Club (Kiwanis Club).