Daniel R. "Dan" Niemerg, 71 of rural Dieterich, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday at the church from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Memorial donations may be given to St. Francis religious education.

Dan was born May 22, 1953 in Effingham, the son of Andrew and Martha (Schumacher) Niemerg. He married Susan M. Huber on August 18, 1973.

Dan's life was defined by his selflessness and devotion to others. As a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he inspired others around him with his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to his community. Dan's generosity of spirit was showcased through his character. His heart was full of love, and his soul was full of kindness, making him a shining example of what it means to be someone to look up to.

He touched so many lives through his various roles. He grew up as a hard-working dairy farmer. Although he had earned a baseball scholarship to St. Louis University, he turned it down to take a teaching scholarship at Eastern Illinois University. He was a 5th grade teacher at Teutopolis Unit 50 for many years while he also drove the school bus. While at Teutopolis he coached both Jr. High basketball and baseball for many years. He helped start and run the Teutopolis Park District with programs of soccer and baseball. Dan later became the Superintendent at Teutopolis Unit 50.

Dan also spent time as a principal and Superintendent at Dieterich. He loved every aspect of education that he even became a current school board member for Dieterich. If Dan was a superhero, he would be called, The Educator.

During summers Dan liked to keep busy by driving the milk truck, Hostess truck, worked at Stevens Industries, worked as a carpenter, and spent 30 years as a corn detassling leader. Detassling corn he brought young kids out to learn how to work hard.

In his most recent years, he took over as the Religious Education director for St. Francis Catholic Church. Dan was very passionate about his catholic faith. Dan never met a stranger, and everyone was his friend. Spending time with his family and watching his grandkids play ball brought him his greatest joy. He was a beloved husband, father, and papa. He was a teacher, leader, learner, mentor, and coach to many. He will never be forgotten.

Dan is survived by his wife, Susie; children, Dan (wife, Kelly) Niemerg and their children, Noah, Ruby, Jack, Paris, Lily, Coby, Harry, and Dani; Rob (wife, Katie) and their children, Aidan, Blake, Avery, Taylor, and Brady; Kris (wife, Joni) Niemerg and their children, Connor and Isabella; siblings, Diane (Rick) Siemer, Tom (JoAnn) Niemerg, Gene (Ellie) Niemerg, Randy (Marsha) Niemerg, Ben (Deb) Niemerg, Jane (Terry) Meyer, Cathy Walk, Tony (Teri) Niemerg, Annette (Bill) Schnabel; Ed (Lori) Niemerg, Mark (Kristy) Niemerg, and Sharon (Dave) Sieveking; and his sister-in-law, Lai Dang.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ronin, and brother-in-law, Joe Walk.