Lela Jeanette Niebauer

LELA (EDWARDS) NIEBAUER Lela (Edwards) Niebauer, of Park Falls, passed away peacefully at the age of 99, on Monday, November 16, 2014 after a long and rewarding life. She was born on July 2, 1915 in Marengo WI, the daughter of Lee and Sadie (Irving) Edwards and grew up in Butternut WI. She Married Frank R Niebauer on June 7, 1938 and spent the rest of her life in Park Falls, WI where they lived on the Niebauer family farm. While helping out on the farm, she also assisted Frank in the secretarial and bookkeeping phases of Niebauer Sand and Gravel. After retirement Lela and Frank loved to travel in their camper with friends to places in the US and Canada. She loved to play cards and some board games, and was always ready to do so whenever anyone asked. Lela’s passion in life was to help others, always lending a hand whenever she could. She is survived by two children: Her daughter Joan (Thomas deceased) Pfeil of Wauwatosa WI and her son Richard (Judith) of Fargo ND. Also survived by six grandchildren: Kent (Kathy) Saunders of Minneapolis MN, Susan Saunders Land of Wauwatosa WI, Angela (Thomas) Madigan of Brown Deer WI, Kelly (Michael) Savelkoul of Waukesha WI, Melinda (Greg) Donovan of Fargo ND and Timothy of Fargo ND. Nine great-grandchildren survived: Thomas and Anthony Saunders of Minneapolis MN, Rebecca, Tristan and Natalie Land of Wauwatosa WI, Maren and Aeryn Donovan of Fargo ND and Ava and Robert Savelkoul of Waukesha WI. One sister, Juanita (David deceased) Shaffer of Stockbridge, GA also survives. In addition, her sister-in-law Clara Niebauer Tomczak and brother-in-law Lawrence (Kathleen) Niebauer and many nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Frank on August 6, 1997, her two brothers, Robert and Jack and her sister Mabel Lois. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Lela’s life will be held on Friday, November 21 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara and Deacon Chet Ball will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 – 10:30 am until the time of service at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lela’s name to St. Anthony’s Church. The family extends special thanks to Lela’s “angels” Ruth Burhans and Kathi Miramontes and the staff at Park Manor for their loving care. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Lela Jeanette Niebauer

July 2, 1915 - November 16, 2014