The FUNERAL SERVICE for Neta will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton City, Missouri.

OFFICIATING at the service will be Pastor David Herald.

VISITATION will be held at the church preceding the service from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

INTERMENT will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.

The family suggests any MEMORIAL donations be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Neta Lucille Niemann, daughter of Jesse E. and Mary Dot (Burton) Duckworth, was born November 7, 1928 in Philomath, Oregon. She departed this life peacefully April 26, 2016 at the AC Manor Nursing Home in Appleton City, Missouri at 87 years of age.

While still an infant, Neta's family moved to rural Collins, Missouri where her mother worked as a domestic to provide for her children. When Neta was twelve, they moved to Osceola where she graduated from Osceola High School. Her mother later married Jim Lackey. After school, Neta was employed by Missouri Public Service for a time.

After WWII was over, she spotted Bill Niemann playing town team basketball for Appleton City. She proudly tells that she set her sights on Bill, that "tall handsome man," that very day. Later that evening she boldly invited him to sit with her and her friend in the booth at the café. She always said she didn't think that shy Bill would have had the courage to introduce himself. They were married January 1, 1950 in the Lutheran parsonage in Appleton City. They were blessed with two sons. The Niemann's made their home in Appleton City where Bill was a rural mail carrier. Neta worked for a few years as the Appleton City Treasurer. She was baptized October 1, 1942 and confirmed July 7, 1950, becoming a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Neta had a beautiful voice and often sang in church and at weddings. She was a Sunday school teacher and a member of Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She and Bill loved gardening together; Neta particularly enjoyed her roses.

Neta was a truly kind, sweet, caring lady. She and Bill were always willing to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and any kind of help to anyone in need. They were particularly good at ministering to those who had lost loved ones. Neta possessed a strong Christian faith and it showed in her generous and compassionate nature.

She and Bill spent many pleasurable hours together fishing at the Appleton City reservoir. Neta was a truly lovely lady inside and outside with a genuine smile to share with everyone. She will be missed greatly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Neta was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather; husband Bill; an infant son, Charles; and her sister and brother in law Peg and George Hampton. Survivors include her son Jim Niemann and his wife Lois; one grandson Will Niemann and Kristin Southerland; one granddaughter Katie Jobe and her husband Travis Jobe, and one great granddaughter Gracy Jobe.