He graduated from Columbia City High school in 1959 and continued his education at Purdue University to pursue two degrees; AA Civil Engineering-Construction Technology (1964) and BS Industrial Education Technology (1970). He expanded his learning at University of Northern Colorado, earning an MBA in Vocational Education, Individualized Instruction (1972), and then attended Nova University in which he received an MBA (1986).
Ross served our country as an Indiana Air National Guard (1961-1966) and served overseas during the Berlin Crisis from 1961-1962. As a man of many talents, he had several occupations during his lifetime. He was raised on a 270 acre dairy farm and in his later years worked as an engineer, foreman, educator, human resources, business owner of "Ross' Inspection Technologies, and lastly a gate agent for several airlines.
As a member of the Community Christian Church, God was Ross' guiding light who motivated him through his joys, disappointments, and blessings of his life. His hobbies consisted of golf, woodworking, cards and boardgames, travel, and social gatherings. He enjoyed watching Purdue University Basketball and Football and was a staunch fan of the Denver Broncos. Ross was truly loving, kind, ethical, and talented and would do anything to help his children achieve their dreams. He loved a good laugh and Emmalou always loved his "grin" which indicated he was "up to something".
He is survived by his spouse, Emmalou Nierman, his sons, Bruce Edward Nierman and Brian Joseph Nierman, his granddaughter, Kaitlyn Elaine Nierman (of Brian Nierman), and his daughters-in-law, Leanne Akiko Matsuyama-Nierman, and Jennifer Elaine Adams Nierman. His sister, Marie Young Elkhart (IN), and step-siblings, Rosalyn Mitchell (South Fork, CO), David and Robert Williamson (Swainsboro, GA), and Roger Williamson (Wallisville, TX), also survive him.
Ross was predeceased by his daughter, Sherri Marie, his parents, Joshua Nierman and Alta (Fairchild) Nierman, his brothers, Dale Nierman, Wayne Nierman, and Earl Nierman, and his step-brother, Larry Williamson.
A viewing will be held on July 25, 2025, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the Community Christian Church, located at 1701 S College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281. The funeral service will follow at the same location from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
The burial will take place at an external service location, 10940 W Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ 85248, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm on July 25, 2025.
To access the livestream for this service, please click on this link:
https:/youtube.com/live/aOVlz0YbbnY?feature=share
