Celestine J. "Cel" Niemerg, 86, passed away Sunday morning, July 23, 2017 at his home in (Bishop Creek) Dieterich.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bishop Creek, with burial in the church cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church with a 6:30 p.m. parish prayer service. Memorial donations may be made to Donor's Choice. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.

Cel was born August 27, 1930 in Bishop Creek, the son of Herman and Cecilia (Voss) Niemerg. He married Verena M. Cornell on June 22, 1957 and she survives. Cel served with the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and spent many years as a dairy and grain farmer. He was a member of St. Isidore Parish, Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #2874 and the Teutopolis American Legion #924.

Cel is survived by his wife, Verena of Bishop Creek; three daughters, Sandra (Joe) Brackney of Bishop Creek, Vicki of Bishop Creek and Lori (Tim) Bierman of Wheeler; brother, Larry (Peggy) Niemerg of Baker, MT; three sisters, Mildred Borries of Tuscola, Evelyn McCreery of Newton and Jeanette (Richard) Esker of Washington, WV; two grandchildren, William Brackney and Natalie Bierman; four step-grandchildren, Bridget (Eric) Bohnoff, Michelle (Jimmy) Fatheree, Michelle Bierman Paine and Stephanie Bierman; one step-great-grandchild, Briley; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Cel was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herbert and sister, Beatrice.