William J. Niemann, 92, of Jackson, passed away Friday, August 3, 2012, at the Monticello House in Jackson.

He was born July 28, 1920, in Gordonville, to William and Bertha Birk Niemann.  He and Tavia Lange were married April 27, 1946, in Gordonville.

Niemann farmed many years in the Gordonville area and then worked 17 years at Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau, retiring in 1991.  He was a 50-year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

He was an avid gardener, growing beautiful flowers and bountiful vegetables; but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Tavia of Jackson; a daughter, Beth (Bob) McGregor of Cape Girardeau; a daughter-in-law, Fay Niemann of Athens, Ga.; five grandchildren, Rodney White and Jana Willis, both of Athens, Sara Fuller, Gabe (Lisa) Fuller, all of Cape Girardeau, and Jesse McGregor of West Palm Beach, Fla.; six great-grandchildren, Joey, Randee, Cody, Marissa, Morgan, Ryan; and two sisters-in-law, Vesta Mae Meyer and Edna (Dale) Wolfenkoehler, all of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by a son, William “Bill” Niemann; a sister, Lillian Macke; and four brothers.

Friends may call Monday, August 6, from 9:30 AM to time of service, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral service will be Monday, at 10:30 AM, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Preferred Hospice.