Edward R. Niehaus, 89, of rural New Douglas, Ill., died on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was born on, April 26, 1932, in New Douglas Township, the son of Edward W. and Bertha M. (Prange) Niehaus. He married Barbara J. Rosenthal on Feb. 11, 1961, at Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bellflower, Calif. She preceded him in death on March 2, 2021. They were married for 60 years.

Edward served our country in the United States Navy during the Korean War from April 21, 1951, to Nov. 11, 1953. He attained the rank of Yeoman. Ed attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas where he served his church as a deacon, chairman, vice chairman, and trustee on the church board. Ed was a member of the New Douglas Fire Department, where he served for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Madison County Firemen's Association and the 3M Firefighter's Association. Edward was an original board member of the Staunton Area Ambulance Service where he served for 35 years. He was a member of the Madison County Illinois Pork Producers. Ed loved bowling and loved to watch Cardinal baseball. He also enjoyed card playing with the family.

Edward is survived by two sons, Dale (Brenda) Niehaus, Craig (Linda) Niehaus; one daughter, Lynn (Nathan) Fortin; grandchildren, Angelica and Victoria Niehaus, Jennifer (Lan) Noel, Christopher, Hannah, and Matthew Niehaus, Katherine and Jocelyn Fortin; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Remington Noel; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kevin Niehaus; one sister, Naoma Keppler; and three brothers, Eldon Niehaus, Arthur Niehaus, and Harold Niehaus.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 18, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Douglas with Rev. John Lottes officiating. Burial was at New Douglas Cemetery with military honors provided by the Staunton Area Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left online at http://www.lesickofuneralhome.com. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston was in charge of arrangements.