Ralph J. Niemerg, 91 of Dieterich, passed away at 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2015 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Bishop Creek, with burial in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Dieterich with military rites. A parish wake service will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m., Sunday evening at the church with a 6:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus rosary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family with arrangements. www.bauerfh.com

Ralph was born December 21, 1923 in Wheeler, the son of Frank and Ida (Probst) Niemerg. He married Phyllis Ann M. Swingler on September 11, 1948 and she survives. He was a retired farmer, member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dietrich (St. Isidore Parish), Effingham Knights of Columbus Council #665 and Dietrich American Legion Post #628, where he served as Past Commander. Ralph was a PFC in the United States Army 4th Infantry Division during World War II.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis Ann of Dieterich; three sons, David (Mary), Paul (Leah) and Jerry (LeAnn), all of rural Dieterich; two daughters, Connie (Andy) Kerner and Wanda (Vernon) Ruholl, both of Teutopolis; sister-in-law, Janice Niemerg of Teutopolis; 21 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren also survive.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leonard and Clarence (wife, Irene) Niemerg.