George C. Nieman, 81, of Monmouth, IL passed away at 7:25 am, Thursday, October 8, 2020 at his home.
He was born December 25, 1938 in Dayton, OH, the son of Harry J. and Olga R. (Hartzell) Nieman. He was raised and educated in Tipp City, OH where he graduated from Tippecanoe High School in 1957. He later a earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon in 1961. He then earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 1964.
George married Elizabeth Burton in Dayton, OH on December 28, 1960 and she survives.
George began his teaching career at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY before going to Muskingum College in New Concord, OH. George and his family moved to Monmouth, IL in 1979 to begin his teaching career at Monmouth College. He was a Professor of Chemistry at Monmouth College for 23 years before retiring in 2003.
He was a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, IL. He was an avid genealogist. Finding long-lost family relations was one of his passions. Spending time and keeping in touch with family was one of George’s joys. He had a very technical mind and common-sense know-how on solving large and small home repair issues. George went to Louisiana following hurricane Katrina to assist in repairing and rebuilding the area. Being of service to others behind the scenes was very important to George.
He loved traveling the backroads of the country and enjoyed collecting and building model trains.
Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Nieman of Monmouth, IL; his children, Bob (Beth) Nieman of Carlsbad, NM, Patricia Nieman of Monmouth, IL and Michael Nieman of Chillicothe, IL; his grandchildren, Katie (Tyler) Poppen of Cole Camp, MO, David (Samantha) Nieman of West Bend, WI, Sarah (Ed) Kruszon of Cole Camp, MO, Joey Nieman and Lily Nieman both Chillicothe, IL; his great grandchildren, Dean Poppen, Hank Poppen, August Poppen and Grace Poppen all of Cole Camp, MO and Torger Nieman of West Bend, WI; one sister, Kathy (Tom) Mimlitch of Ashville, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to acknowledge the compassion and support that they received from OSF Hospice; it was truly appreciated.
Private graveside services will be at Warren County Memorial Park, Monmouth, IL. No visitation hours are planned at this time. Memorials may be given to the Monmouth College Chemistry Department or the Faith United Presbyterian Church. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, all attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL is in charge of the arrangements. For more information, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
