Gerald Herman Nieman

Gerald Herman Nieman, age 92 of Warren, died January 5, 2014 in Warren, Michigan. Gerald was born on November 5, 1921 in Detroit, son of the late Louis and Bertha (nee: Benning) Nieman. Gerald was married for over 65 years to the love of his life, Helen (nee: Kuchapski) Nieman. Together they raised two beautiful sons, Gary and Gordie. Gerald's greatest treasure in life was his family. With thanks and praise from a grateful nation, we pay homage to Gerald for his service to our country during World War II. As a soldier in the United States Air Force, he was assigned the position of airplane mechanic in Alaska. For the call to duty he so proudly served, we honor Gerald's service and sacrifices made in protecting this great nation and preserving the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today. It was while Gerald was serving our great nation that he met his beautiful wife, Helen at a DSO dance in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. What started as a simple dance led to a life of over 65 years of memories for both Gerald and Helen.In his spare time, Gerald enjoyed following sports, especially his beloved Detroit Red Wings. Following the team through the years and the numerous Stanley Cups they won brought Gerald some of his best sports memories. Gerald was also an accomplished handyman and could fix anything. Whether it was something indoors or outdoors, everyone knew if there was a problem - call Gerald! Gerald loved the beautiful winter scenery throughout his life. From seeing Alaska and Canada during his service time earlier in his life, to enjoying ice fishing at Harsen's Island and Lake St. Clair later on, Gerald knew how to take advantage of the many harsh winter climates and how to enjoy and make the most of them.Other interests of Gerald included reading the newspaper, singing and watching old television programs such as Mitch Miller, playing euchre with family and friends, watching old movies - including Westerns (especially John Wayne Westerns), and gardening. Gerald had a very special place in his heart for his garden, including a rosebush that he transplanted that had been his father's. Just as the rose bush grew and prospered throughout its life, so did Gerald as he saw his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren do the same. Gerald enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends. As his family will attest, he always wore a suit and tie during holiday get-togethers and looked quite debonair. Holidays with the family were very important to Gerald and he always looked his best!What made Gerald happier and prouder than anything else in life was spending time with his family. Gerald, no matter what his age, was always young at heart! Being young at heart is what gave him the nickname "The Coach" many years ago, because people looked up to him and valued his advice on life. Gerald loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into the people they are today. Gerald Herman Nieman was the beloved husband of Helen Nieman. He was the loving father of Gary (Lee) Nieman and Gordie (Diane) Nieman. Gerald was the dearest grandfather of Aaron, Peter, Sean (Lisa), and Brad (Chrissy), and the great-grandfather of Brianna, Jenna, and Aaron, Jr. Gerald is also survived by his sister Ruth (Jack) Morrison. A Memorial Service for Gerald will take place in the near future. Please share memories of Gerald at his memory book.