Anthony "Tony" Niehaus

Anthony August Niehaus passed away peacefully at home March 29, 2026 surrounded by his children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating and Rev. Vince Lieser concelebrating. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed, and the link can be found at One In Faith.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Born on December 15, 1930, Tony lived 95 full and meaningful years, spending his entire life in his hometown of Melrose, Minnesota. He met the love of his life, Carol Eveslage, while ice skating on King’s Lake. The two were married on August 17, 1954, and together they built a life on the Niehaus family farm north of Melrose, where they lovingly raised their seven children.

Tony was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a strong believer in giving back to his community. He served on the Melrose Township Board, the Magnifi Credit Union Board, and the Minnesota Mutual Insurance Board, always contributing his time and leadership for the benefit of others.

Tony’s “heaven on earth” was the Niehaus family cabin on Big Birch Lake, where family and friends were always welcome. He loved cruising the lake in his classic wooden speed boat and remained an avid water skier well into his later years—still skiing at the age of 87. Even into his 90s, Tony could be seen riding his motorcycle between Melrose and Big Birch Lake.

Known for his generous spirit, Tony had a special way of seeking out and supporting the underdog. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A gifted storyteller, he will be fondly remembered for his “Tonyisms” and the joy he brought to every conversation. Tony had a deep love for children, and after retiring from the farm, he and Carol found great happiness living across from St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he could often be found visiting and connecting with students. Above all, Tony was happiest when surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his children: Jeanne (Michael Howe), Anthony Jr. “Butch” (Mary), John (Mary), Bob (Deb), Allen (Sheryl Glebe), Julie (Jeff) Comfort, and Jan (Mick) Herke; 15 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Tony was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his infant children, Ann Marie, Mary Jo, Thomas, and Mark; his parents, Joseph and Agnes Niehaus; his brothers, Joseph, Ted, Alquin, Ed, Albie and his sisters, Mae, Julie, Hildie, Sr. Inez, Sr. Venard, and Sr. Helen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Mary’s School Education Endowment Fund or the Big Birch Lake Association.