Thomas F. Niekamp

Thomas Frank Niekamp, age 95, of St. Henry died peacefully early Saturday morning November 18, 2023, at his home in St. Henry. Tom was born June 17, 1928, in Celina to the late Andrew and Alma (Bertke) Niekamp. On October 15, 1949, he married his first and only love, Mary (Beckman) Niekamp. Together Tom and Mary were happily married for over 74 years, and Mary survives at their home in St. Henry. Tom is also survived by his children; Joan Fescoe of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Ann (Howard) Stammen, William (Joanne) Niekamp, Peg (Phil) Fullenkamp all of St. Henry, Cathy (Jerry) Wenning of Celina, and Jim (Julie) Niekamp of St. Henry. Also surviving Tom are 21 grandchildren and 62 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Kathleen (Jerry) Pulskamp, Phyllis Miller, and Jim (Margie) Niekamp. In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by a granddaughter Susan Fescoe, a great-grandchild Ashley Bohman, a son-in-law Andrew Fescoe, as well as siblings and in-laws: Ethel (Elmer) Rinderle, Les (Beverly) Niekamp, Paul (Dottie) Niekamp, Joan (Maurice) Rammel, Andrew Niekamp, Joe Miller, Betty and Harold Thieman, and Pat and Wally Post.

Tom was a managing partner of the Minster Canning Company where he spent the bulk of his working career. He was an avid golfer, bridge player, and an accomplished woodworker creating numerous toys, clocks, and Nativity cribs for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his great joys was working in his yard and garden. He will be remembered most for his gentle nature, his humble wisdom, his kind disposition, and his caring and compassionate personality. He was a deeply religious man whose faith inspired the virtue of several generations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at St. Henry Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the St. Henry Cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00pm – 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 21, and from 9:00am – 10:00am on Wednesday, November 22, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry. The family asks that, in lieu of gifts, memorial contributions be made for masses or to EverHeart Hospice. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.