Donald Niehaus was born just before the Great Depression, on March 20, 1928. He was the oldest son to Lillian and Joseph Niehaus, born and raised in Ludlow, Kentucky.  He was one of five siblings and is survived by the youngest, Ken Niehaus, who lives amongst many of the Niehaus family in Northern Kentucky.

From a young age, Don was hard-working, goal-oriented, and a team player.  He applied himself in the classroom and on the playing field. Don learned to play basketball in the alley on a bushel basket with neighborhood pals. With hopes to play basketball in high school, he devised a plan to attend a distant school, making the team and working his way up to Captain while also playing on the football team.

At 17, he wanted to support his fellow brethren serving in World War II.  During an interview with his grandson in late 2020, in which he shared some of his story and life lessons he said: "A couple of my friends from down the street got killed in the invasion.  At that point my mantra was, "I gotta get in this war and do something worthwhile". Don enrolled in the Navy upon high school graduation in 1945, near the end of World War II, and served as a land-based Naval engineer, helping prepare everything for Navy members returning from the war.  "That was a great feeling – it made it all worthwhile just to know I was helping others."

After his service, Don attended Xavier University before transferring to University of Detroit Jesuit where he received his Engineering degree and met the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Patricia, at a school dance.  "We danced, and boy was she good!" Don had told his grandson.

About their courtship, Pat had said: "It didn't take long for our chemistry to develop." The two wedded a few years later at Gesu Church in Detroit, the same place where they had met.

About his study and work ethic Pat had said: "He had to go to school, go to grad school. He studied all the time".

Don went on to attend the University of Michigan for his Masters in Engineering, and Michigan State University for his Masters in Business, all the while working for Bendix Corp. which included work on technology that put men on the moon. "I wanted to be the best at it," he had said about his career.

He went on to start his own business, Industrial Temperature Control, working until the age of 72.

Don was a devoted husband and father, principled and pragmatic, gentle and selfless.

Raising six kids with his wife Pat, his day wasn't done when he came home from work. His children can each recall, (now with fond memories), sitting at the kitchen table after dinner, with grueling Math and Science homework review sessions with their dad. He was ever patient, yet not allowing the session to end without ensuring understanding of the lesson. He then rolled up his sleeves doing dishes and tucking the kids in bed with an imaginative story usually involving a boy and a dog.

Family was important to Don.  The un-air-conditioned station wagon was packed up, lunches at the ready, and many a summer the family drove miles to visit relatives in Kentucky, Kansas, and Maine.

"We had a lot of great children, and we're so grateful for all of them," Don had said.

Faith was a priority to Don.  Don and Pat were early members of Our Lady of Sorrows parish and were very involved in supporting the school and building the church, serving in many roles including Eucharistic Minister, Engaged Couples counselor, and Religious Education teacher. All six children attended school there.

Sports were enjoyed by Don– there was always a game on t.v. – often with hot dogs and brats.  Pat often talked and joked about Don's love of a game: "He'd watch anything involving a ball".  His sports and competitive spirit continued through his love of cards, golf, and boating, enjoyed with lifelong Farmington friends.

Travel was an integral part of Don and Pat's life, and they traveled extensively.  Don's favorite trips were to the Holy Land and of course, time spent at their vacation home in Lexington MI with frequent overnight visits from kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and extended family.  Many Fourth of July weekends were celebrated there, with Pat and Don's anniversary and son David's birthday both on July 3rd.

Don lived a rich, full life. His three quotes for his family to live by:

As our pragmatic leader:  "If it helped to worry, I'd worry!"

As a loving family man:  "Whatever the question, love is the answer."

And this last year, and especially during his final days, Don would say:

"Thank you so much. I love you all. Let's keep it going."

Don, husband, dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather:  Godspeed, your family will be grateful, "keep it going" and try to follow your loving example.

Don is survived by his five devoted children, Michael (Cynthia), Mark (Jennifer), Stephen (Terrie), Ann (Ed) Raftery Barann, Laurie (Brian) Yokie; nine cherished grandchildren, Philip (Jennifer) Niehaus, Matthew (Jayme) Niehaus, Michael Niehaus, Erin Niehaus, Katie (J.J.) Joubran, Kevin (Sydney) Raftery, Evan Yokie, Ava Yokie, and Lilly Niehaus; and seven great-grandchildren, Camden, Hadley, and Raegan Niehaus, Theo Niehaus, Callan Raftery, Beau Cobb, and Isla James Joubran. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia and cherished son David, and siblings, Vivian Wilcox, Richard Niehaus, and Leroy Niehaus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the Capuchins .

Don's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday morning, June 3, at 10:00 am, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Rd., Farmington. (Click HERE to view a livestream of Don's mass.) Private interment will take place that afternoon at Oakwood Cemetery, Farmington.