Larry "Nemo" Niemann Obituary

Larry requested all to wear blue jeans and a Husker shirt as attire for his funeral.

Called home by his heavenly Father, Larry Niemann entered his eternal rest on July 31, 2025 while surrounded by loving family.

Larry was born on February 27, 1945, to Elden and Leona (Volzke) Niemann in York, Nebraska. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism on March 18,1945 at Marysville Lutheran Church in Staplehurst, Nebraska. Larry attended St. Paul Lutheran School and Confirmed his Faith on March 2,1959 .

The oldest of three boys Larry grew up on a farm north of Utica. There he learned work ethic, grit, and his trademark sharp wit.

He graduated from Utica High School, where he and his classmates, Jim Sampson, John Hladkey, Skip Semin, Roger Elrod, Butch Rohren, Clayton Winkleman, Curtis Geirhan, Dennis Abrahams, and Clyde Naber, proudly celebrated a State Basketball Championship in 1963.

Larry honorably served his country during the Vietnam War as an Ammunition Specialist and, upon returning home, completed his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Nebraska.

He began his teaching and coaching career in Dorchester, Nebraska. Two years later, he moved to Seward, where he taught and coached football, basketball, and track for 27 years, impacting the lives of many students and athletes. He received the Assistant Boys Basketball Coach of the Year award from the Nebraska Coaches Association in 2009. This award recognizes those who contribute significantly to the success of athletic programs in Nebraska schools. He came out of retirement to help coach the pole vaulting team at Seward Middle School at his granddaughter’s request—though it only lasted one season, as she soon decided that singing and dancing on stage was far better than conditioning drills.

Larry married the love of his life, Jeanette Faszholz, on July 26, 1985 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Together they built a life filled with sporting and traveling adventures. This year they celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary.

A devoted fan of Nebraska football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball, Larry brought “enthusiasm” to every game he witnessed. He delighted in hunting and fishing adventures with Jim Komenda, a lifelong friend. In retirement, he found joy on the golf course with weekly weekend competitions with Jim Placke, Darrin Welch, Rick Weatherholt, Tyler Welch, Bob Fish, and Steve Hostert, traveling to visit his grandchildren and their families, and playing cards with his bi-weekly poker group, Jim Komenda, Hodge Hofer, Gerry Eikmeier, Dan Frisbie, Greg Voss, Brent Jackman, Jim Placke, Pat Piskorski, Tom Widler.

Within the family, Larry was affectionately known as the 'baby whisperer.' At family gatherings, you could count on finding him with a little one nestled in his lap—offering comfort, a gentle bounce, a bottle, or simply the quiet reassurance of his presence.

Larry was an honest man who never shied away from truthful conversation. You could always count on him for a straight answer. His sarcasm and sharp sense of humor were hallmarks of his personality—though not always appreciated by everyone around him (not that it ever stopped him). He deeply loved his family, his Savior, and the joy of being a papa.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Elden and Leona Niemann, and his father-in-law, Eugene Faszholz.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jeanette; his brothers, Robert (Marilyn) and Roger (Patty); his sons, Jackson (Monica) Hemphill and Josh (Kayla) Hemphill; his daughters, Kristin (Cristina) Niemann and Korrina Junge.

Larry was a proud grandfather to Hayleigh (Aaron), Madison (Justin), Makenzie (Travis), Jackson Dale, Felicity (Ryan), Kyra, Jackeline, Marcella, and Leona; and a great-grandfather to four cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his adoring mother-in-law, Marian Faszholz, brother-in-law, Gary (Mary) Faszholz, and sister-in-law, Kay (Mike) Greve.

He will be remembered for his faith, love for his family, dedication to education and athletics, razor sharp wit, and unwavering Husker spirit.

Larry requested all to wear blue jeans and a Husker shirt as attire for his funeral.

Please direct any Memorials to St. John Lutheran Church’s building project, Seward VFW, or Horisun Hospice.