Thomas Albert “Tom” Niese, age 83, of Tiro, passed away early Sunday morning, March 2, 2025 at The Willows at Willard.
Tom was born September 14, 1941 in Leipsic, OH to the late Waldo M. and Cecelia K. (Rieman) Niese. He graduated from Tiro High School in 1960. Tom’s entire life was spent in the agriculture industry- a lifestyle which was not only his work, but his hobby and passion. His working life began with the Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation in addition to farming. Taking over his dad’s seed corn business, Tom found much success in his sales for what would eventually become Brodbeck Seeds. His kindness and approachable nature forged many lifelong friendships and connections, something that led to his success and earned him top salesman awards many times over, in addition to others. Most importantly, Tom’s love for the land was spent helping area farmers tiling their fields through Crawford Drainage. He was proud of his 43 years with Crawford Drainage, working happily until his retirement at the age of 76.
On June 30, 1962 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby, Tom wed Dorothy A. Eberl. Together they raised their family of four and enjoyed time at their homestead. Following retirement, Tom loved tending to his garden, especially his sweet corn, and mowing grass with his zero-turn lawnmower, happily equipped with a steering wheel. Tom and Dorothy were longtime faithful members of Mother of Sorrow Catholic Church in North Auburn prior to its closing, a faithfulness which easily transferred to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in New Washington. Additionally, they loved attending both school and church events and activities for their grandchildren.
Tom’s love for farming and socialization paired well with morning coffee uptown at Bean Daddy with friends, where time was spent talking farm news and other local events. Tom was also a life member of the New Washington Knights of Columbus Council #1718.
Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years: Dorothy; children: Stephen J. (Tamara) Niese of New Washington, Michael C. (Robbin) Niese of Tiro, Julie A. (James) Kenny of New Washington, and Edmund F. Niese of New Washington; grandchildren: Natalie (Cole) Stacklin-Jarvis, Keaton Niese, Erin (Zach) Zaebst, Nickolas Niese, Alan Niese, Erik Kenny, Ian Kenny, Alex Kenny, Owen, Kenny, Urban Kenny, and May Niese; great-grandchildren: Desmond and Emmit Stacklin-Jarvis and Zoey, Oliver, and Hazel Zaebst; brothers: Jerry (Carol) Niese and Joe (Maxine) Niese; sister: Mary Ann (Bill) Tabor; in-laws: Shirley Niese, Lil Niese, Janet (Jim) Adelman, Eileen Davies, Linda (Bill) Brant, Miriam (Paul) Schroeder, and Ann (Bob) Estep; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers: Jim Niese and Bob Niese; mother and father-in-law: Frank and Emma Eberl; and brother-in-law: Bob Davies.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 3-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a rosary will be recited at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 422 West Mansfield Avenue, New Washington, OH 44854, with Fr. Eric Mueller celebrating. Burial will follow in Mother of Sorrow Catholic Cemetery, North Auburn. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or Buckeye Central FFA.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Funeral Home: Penwell Funeral Home
Website: PenwellFuneralHome.com