Clayton C. Nietfeld

The Lord called Clayton Carl Henry Nietfeld, 89, to his heavenly home on January 7th. He was at the Northern Colorado Medical Center Hospice Unit in Greeley. Born April 9, 1927, to Ferdinand and Ida (Noffke) Nietfeld in St. Libory, NE, he was baptized, confirmed and attended parochial school at Zion Lutheran Church in Worms, NE.

He worked for various farmers in the area of his childhood home and in northwest Kansas. He served from 1950 to 1952 in the army's antiaircraft artillery at Ft. Bliss, TX. During this time he joined the Desertairs Barbershop Quartet and enjoyed being able to sing and tour with them. In May 2011, he was given the opportunity to participate in the Northern Colorado Honor Flight, an experience he cherished.

He was united in marriage to Lila Antholz on August 8, 1954. Children born to this union were: Katherine, Timothy, and Eileen.

His life experiences included farming (Burlington, CO); District Parish Work (Central District of the ALC), attending Dana College (Blair, NE) & Wartburg Seminary (Dubuque, IA), serving parishes in Dodge City, KS; Englewood, CO; and Pickrell, NE. He also served as Director for Commitment to Mission in the Central District of the ALC, interim pastor to the five mission churches of the Seward Peninsula of Alaska and, in retirement, conducted weekly services at Kenton Manor (Greeley, CO).

After retirement he was able to return to the roots he loved, farming and assisting with farming operations in Weld County--continuing the work begun by the Antholz family.

He is survived by his wife, Lila, and family: Kate & Randy Dirks; Melodee & Abe, Julia Penner; Tyler & Carrie, Margaret, Henry, Haven & Phinehas Dirks; Tim & Konda Nietfeld; Amanda & Mike, Ellis & Oliver Giles; Haley & Christian, Jemma Jacobson; Eileen & David, Ben Stirtz; sister Ruth & Allan Hahn, sisters-in-law Loretta Langrehr and Margaret Nietfeld; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers LeRoy, Donald & wife, Esther, and Robert.

Visitation at Faith Lutheran Church, Eaton, CO, Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held 11:00am, Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church in Eaton, CO with light lunch and fellowship to follow. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested for Oaks Indian Mission, TRU Hospice of Northern Colorado or the memorial of donor's choice in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.stoddardsunset.com.