Franklin J. “Frank” Niese

OTTAWA – Franklin J. “Frank” Niese, age 92, died at 6:40 p.m., Thursday, February 5, 2026, at The Meadows of Ottawa. He was born October 3, 1933, in Leipsic to Edward and Frances (Schroeder) Niese. On October 27, 1954, he married Janice Meyer, the daughter of Harry and Odelia Meyer. After 71 years of marriage, his spouse, Janice, passed away on December 4, 2025.

Survivors include five children: Frank Jr. (Sandra) Niese of Jenera, Joelyn (Greg) Etgen of Delphos, Charles (Tammy) Niese of Pandora, Jane (Dean) Rosengarten of Leipsic and Rob (Cindy) Niese of Leipsic; twenty grandchildren; forty-five great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat (Karl) Fuerst; and two sisters-in-law: Helen Niese and JoAnn Niese.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a stillborn daughter, Mary Jo Niese; a granddaughter, Marissa Niese; and six siblings: Carl (Marietta) Niese, Victor (Monica) Niese, Eugene Niese, Marilyn (Harold) Roebke, Martha (Don) Turnwald and Bill Niese.

Frank was a lifelong farmer who raised many acres of tomatoes, sugar beets and pickles, in addition to wheat, corn and soybeans. He received the Farmer of the Year Award from the Leipsic Kiwanis Club in 1969. He received awards from Libby McNeill and Libby in 5 different years for being in “The Top Ten Producers” for yield per acre. Farming was his job and his hobby. After retiring, farming still gave Frank joy, as he always looked forward to being called by the boys to help. He loved playing cards whenever he could and traveling, especially spending winter months in the Valley of Texas. Most of all, Frank loved his Creator, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank lived in Indian Lake for 2 years, becoming a charter member of the Knights of Columbus at Russells Point, later transferring to Ottawa in 1959. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Leipsic until 1997, when he joined Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa. He was also a member of the Ottawa Eagles and lifetime member of the Farmer’s Union.

The family would like to thank The Meadows of Ottawa for their great care and compassion for Frank.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 9, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Leipsic. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, with a K of C Rosary beginning at 7:30 p.m. and again on Monday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and/or School, St. Mary’s Church and/or School, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com