Richard Nienaber

Richard B. Nienaber, age 90 of Freeport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Cura Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 25 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Joe Korf officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Friday at the church in Freeport. St Joseph’s Men’s Society and Knights of Columbus will pray a rosary at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Richard Bernard Nienaber was born on February 24, 1936. During his lifetime he transitioned through many roles. He was the son of Marie (Borgerding) and Theodor Nienaber and brother to nine siblings. After graduating from Melrose High School in June of 1954, Richard entered the United States Army from which he was honorably discharged. On April 19, 1961, Richard and Mildred Heinen were united in a marriage that lasted until Mildred’s death 62 years later. Together they farmed near Freeport, MN where they raised their 5 children. Richard also supported his family by working as a carpenter with his brother-in-law, Louie. He found great joy in the roles of grandfather and great-grandfather as they were presented to him. These new members of the family brought out the playful side of his nature and were the source of joy and many smiles during the final years of his life.

Richard was an active member of the Sacred Heart Church in Freeport, MN, the St Joseph’s Men’s Society and the Albany Knights of Columbus, Council #3628.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred; son Clifford; and siblings, Anna, Victor, Bernard, Harvey, and Thomas.

He is survived by his children, Kathleen (Rick) Nienaber-Gapinski, Daniel (Cindy) Nienaber, Michael (Sue) Nienaber, and Charles (Sheri) Nienaber; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Roman, Eileen, Mary Ann, and Henry.

The family would like to say thank you to the staff at Cura of Melrose and St Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Richard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart School in Freeport.