As rookie teachers at Western Dubuque Mike and I always shared our love of education and the student/athletes we encountered.  His caring personality and smile always projected and emulated his reason for being a teacher of speech, athletics, and life.  His heart was always a painted portrait of those he could positively influence as a teacher and a coach.  We always would swap stories about "what happened" in his classes that day or week sometimes bringing so much laughter and compassion that my heart wept and my stomach hurt.  Mike's influence did not only perpetuate a love of life with his students and athletes but every person who interacted with him in the community.  One of my mottos is "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."  Mike, thank you for the smiles you shared and allowed so many to reap just by being YOU.  I celebrate your life and lovingly share and embrace that celebration with Jane and your family.  The Lord is now speaking to Mike and Mike is probably critiquing his speech.  Truly a great guy and I am sure a fabulous husband and friend!!!  He was not only a colleague of mine but a teacher of life to me.

We loved Mike here at Ankeny Dental Professionals, and really appreciate you letting us know Jane. We will truely miss his smiling face, and kindness. Praying for peace and comfort for you.
Shirley

Jane and family, 
You know my heart is with you.  Mike was a blessing to me, for which I will be forever grateful.

CJ  xoxo

Jane we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike.  He was a great man.  We loved visiting with you and him when you visited your dad.  I lost my dad this past January.  They are all home with Jesus.  Please know that we will keep you in our prayers.  God bless you!  Duane and beth ostwinkle

Jane - 
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Lana Voga
Printing & Copy Services


we are so sorry to see Mike passed away-He was such a nice fellow- O sympathy to all of you,

Lyle and Ruth Moore

I was a couple of years ahead of Mike in high school at WD in Epworth. We were in choir together and I remember how nice he was to everyone. Mike was one of the nicest people I ever met. So sad to hear of his passing at a relatively young age. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the many students he reached. REst in Peace Mike.

Mike was a great teacher. He's one of the few teachers that I still tell stories about so many years later. He had to spend a lot of time with us during Speech, Football, and training for tech competitions. He was always cheering us on. I can remember a lot of laughter in all of our events that Mike coached. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Mike was talented in so many ways, but i think what i enjoyed about Mike the most was his positive mental attitude and sense of fairness.  Mike is the second great Ankeny school teacher lost from our old basketball group (Dennis H), and both made me look forward to seeing them and sharing their fellowship for many years.
My sympathies to Jane.  As you of all know, Mike brightened everyone's day where ever he went and I am sure they are happy to receive him in Heaven too.  Mike will be missed, but not forgotten.  He touched many.  Blessings and comfort to you!

Jane,
I am so sorry.
I had a great chat with Mike at Mark's wake service. I will remember Mike with fond memories.  His legacy will never be forgotten.  He gave people many things.
His smile was a gift to me.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
Dick Smith

My thoughts & prayers go out to the Nieland family. Please know Mike's legacy & memory lives on in the many lives he touched. He made a great difference!

Mike was such a positive guy. Played sports with him in high school and always gave 100%. Got together with  him few times this past fall and winter. Sure a sincere guy. Will be missed.

Jane and All of Mike's family,

Please know you are in our prayers. May the Lord's
presence be very real to you. May His grace embrace
and uphold you. 

Paul and Vicki (Newendorp) Jones. 
Central College classes of '79 and '78

So sorry for your loss, I was a class mate of Mikes, graduating from Western Dubuque in 1975. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I voted for Rick Santorum in the 2012 Iowa Caucus because of Mike Nieland. I had arrived to the caucus not sure of who to support. I had recently moved to Iowa from the Chicago area and was trying to figure out what a caucus was all about. Mike got up to speak in support of Santorum. I knew Mike from playing basketball at the Methodist Church in Ankeny and so I listened intently. Mike delivered a well prepared short speech on behalf of Santorum which led me to cast my vote for him!

My conversations with Mike over the past few years have always been pleasant. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met. I loved to hear about his trips with Blue Marble Journeys to Hungary, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Beyond. I will greatly miss this man and I am so thankful for the life that he lived.

So sorry for you loss.  He was a great teacher when I was a student at Western Dubuque.  He was always encouraging others.

I went to high school with Mike and just so surprised to see this.  He was a great guy even in his youth. He seems to have left his mark on quite a few people in his life time. Prayers to the family.

We all loved it when Mike substituted in our building...he truly loved teaching the kids new technology. He will be missed very much. Barb Hutchins ..Head custodian Crocker Elementary

I taught with Mike while he was at Western Dubuque and was always impressed with his compassion and commitment.  My deepest sympathy to your family on his passing.

I worked with Mike in the Iowa Ed Medua Assiciation for many years. He was a joy to work with, positive, thoughtful and conscientious. Sincere Condolences.

My heart is broken, yet I had the honor and privilege of having Mr. N as my high school teacher. He truly inspired me to become an English teacher, and I will be forever be grateful for his generosity, spirit, teaching gifts, and blessed presence. His passion for teaching and his open heart shared with young people was amazing. I will always be eternally grateful for having him in my life. Our prayers are with you all.( Formerly Collins-Maxwell student)

Jane, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. You were both so blessed to of had such a wonderful relationship. So happy I had the chance of meeting Michael, he was a blessing to so many!.....The Blasi Family( Dyersville Ia)

Jane & family: I pray the Lord may grant you  comfort and Peace at this difficult time. Jan Woodman

It is indeed a sad morning as I have read about Mike's recent passing.  I had the opportunity to assist in Mike's hiring at Ankeny Schools and sensed he was going to be someone who would bring a genuine passion for education to students and staff at Parkview Middle School.  I especially remember Mike for his positive messages, an outstanding skill set, and his zest for life.  Mike Nieland  made Ankeny Schools a better place for everyone!

Bob Hartzler
Coralville, IA

I only taught with Mr. Nieland for a short time at ACA, and in that time he always showed me support and true kindness.  I was blessed to teach there while he was there as well.  He will be greatly missed!

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Jane and Family,
Our hearts hurt for your loss.  We hold many dear memories of time with Mike. We were blessed, as were so many others, by the care, compassion, and love of Christ that filled his life to overflowing. May the memories and God's peace carry you through this time.

Love,
Russ, Mimi, Kara, and Jeff Hinshaw

My heart is broken.  I had the honor to have worked with Mike at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny. Mike had a passion for teaching young people and was really a mentor for many of the teachers who worked with him.  When I think of Mike I will always remember his quick smile, booming energetic voice during instruction, kindness to all, and how he never laughed ...no matter how silly and basic my questions about technology were.  He had such a love for travel and sharing God's word.  I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends as well as former coworkers.

Mike was a man after God's own heart. 

During every staff meeting (could have been a short note or a long conversation), he always made sure that we opened and closed in prayer; his words and deeds always encouraged each of us to pursue after Jesus with more passion.

His love for Jesus and sharing the Bible with others was a great testimony of the all the joy that the Lord had filled him with, which was seen in every conversation.

It was a great blessing and joy to have counted Mike as a brother in Christ, a friend in the faith, and a co-laborer in the Kingdom.

-From all of us at Let Creation Sing.

Our sincere sympathy to Mike's family. One of the most caring, compassionate guys I ever had the privilege to know.

Mr. Nieland was a great member of Ankeny Community Schools, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was helpful and supportive of all students, and he will be missed. I knew him through after school activities and I can truly say he made an impact on my life.


Mike was a positive influence to anyone he met or worked with. He always brightened your day with his smile and was always willing to do the extra things to help teachers and students. He touched many lives in positive ways and his influence will live on.

Mike was one of the kindest, gentlest, "goodest" men I have had the pleasure of knowing.  Whether it was attending a Bible study at Ankeny First United Methodist Church when we were all members there or teaching the young people of the Ankeny School District, one thing was always evident in Mike's life and dealing with people..."Love the Lord you God with all your heart and mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself."  Rest in peace, dear Mike.  You will be greatly missed.  And Jane, please remember that he leaves behind a lifetime legacy of goodness and love and know that we are holding you in our hearts and prayers.

Mike was such an amazing man.  I'm blessed to have met him.  He lived out his faith & kept his eyes on the prize.  Just the thought of him being face to face with Jesus brings a tear to my eye.  It's bitter sweet.  Prayers to Jane & family.  ❤

Mike was one of those people who quietly provided strength and love to those in need. His presence alone provided such comfort, his humor provided levity,  and his faith provided  hope. He has left an indelible mark on us all. Peace be with you Mike. Please give all my loved ones who have gone before us a big hug.

Mike was such a good, honest, compassionate person.  If you were lucky enough to meet him and become his friend, he indeed was a friend for life. I enjoyed teaching with him and most recently went on one of his mission trips and I had such a good and rewarding time with him and Jane and the friends that went along.  He was truly a blessing here on earth.  May God bring comfort to Jane and their family.

 I knew Mike through the  Ankeny school system, and every time I met him he wore a genuinely happy smile.  His positive and encouraging presence was like  a ray of sunshine!

Mike was my football coach and my teacher. He was one of the nicest guys u could meet. Mike will be greatly missed by many as he was loved by several students. Miss u Mike from Collins-Maxwell.

Mike was a precious man who always had a smile and always did for others.  He and Jane were so made for each other.  He had a plan for his life and lived his life as.a servant to God and those around him.  He always had a smile and a kind word and will be missed so much.  Prayers for his family during this time.

God bless Mike's family and Jane as she and the others who love Mike say goodbye. Mike was very kind to me as a first year teacher at Collins-Maxwell, and I appreciated his humor and knowledge as I learned about yearbook, Apple computers, and the gift of English and journalism.

Mike was one of my favorite teachers. The times we spent working on our TV Newscast for speech are some of my fondest memories!  He was a great teacher, a great man, and a wonderful servant of our Lord! He will be missed.

Mike was the ultimate coach who never stopped coaching whether it be his students , players or friends . Peace be with you Jane

Mr. Nieland was a amazing teacher. He took so much time out for his students. He helped me through a rough time when I lost my cousin in a car wreck my Freshman year. Thank you for all the years you gave your students at Collins Maxwell

My prayers go out to Mike's family.  I had the good fortune to be able to teach with Mike at Parkview Middle School for quite a few years; he was a well-respected colleague who always had time for others.  It would be difficult to find a better person than Mike.  He will be greatly missed, but we can rest assured that he is now "home".

Mike was a wonderful, kind and loving man who was taken way too soon and will be missed by the countless people whose lives he touched. My sincere sympathies to Jane and the rest of his family. May God give you strength at this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Michael Raymond Nieland

November 30, 1956 – April 21, 2016

Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

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