William Nietfeld

William F. "Bill" Nietfeld, age 85, of Meire Grove, died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at the Lakeview Ranch in Darwin, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Tom Becker officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church in Meire Grove. Parish prayers will be at 6 p.m. followed by the St. Joseph's Men's Society and Knights of Columbus, Council #1633 at 8 p.m. Friday evening at the church.

William Francis Nietfeld was born January 14, 1924 in Spring Hill Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Rose (Macke) Nietfeld. In 1951, Bill started farming in partnership with his father. On January 1, 1957, Bill and Milton purchased their father's farm and formed a partnership until they sold the farm in 1997. Bill moved to Melrose and in 1999 he began living at various assisted living facilities ending at Lakeview Ranch in Darwin. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove, Saint Joseph's Men's Society, and the Knights of Columbus, Council #1633.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Sylvester (Ann) Nietfeld of Meire Grove, Gladys (Mike) Braun of Regal, Milton Nietfeld of Melrose, and Patricia Meyer of Sauk Centre; brother-in-law, Myron Ellis; and sister-in-law, Shirley Nietfeld.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Henry Nietfeld, Dr. A. B. Nietfeld, Elmer Nietfeld, Margaret Nietfeld, Clara Ellis, John B. Nietfeld, Joseph Nietfeld, Roman Nietfeld, and Catherine Meyer.

Serving as casket bearers will be Bill's nieces and nephews. Cross bearer and scripture bearer will be Mary Pittelko.