Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
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Bernard F. "Bernie" "Bud" Niehm, PhD, 91, formerly of Sandusky, OH and Gallipolis, OH, residing in Hollidaysburg, PA, died Monday, December 1, 2014, in UPMC Altoona, Altoona, PA.
He was born on February 7, 1923 in Sandusky, Ohio, to the late Ben and Hedwig (Panzer) Niehm.
Bernie was a 1942 graduate of Sandusky High School, a 1951 graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU) with a Bachelor's of Arts, a 1955 graduate of OSU with a Master's, and a 1968 graduate of OSU with a PhD. in Education of Exceptional Children, Guidance and Counseling, and Psychology.
During WWII, he served as a sergeant in the US Army, 11th Airborne Paratrooper Division, 457th Field Artillery Division.
His early professional years were spent as a teacher in the Sandusky Public School system. Later, as the Director of Services at Vineland Training Center, Bernie received valuable experience in the development and integration of exceptional children and adults. In 1968, Dr. Niehm was named Director of the Franklin County Program for the mentally retarded. His vision and implementation of sheltered workshops helped many children and adults with mental disabilities regain dignity and purpose in their lives.
From 1970 to 1977, Dr. Niehm served as Superintendent of the Gallipolis State Institute, an Ohio state institution for the mentally handicapped, serving over 1500 residents. He spent the remainder of his career as the Executive Director of Woodland Center, a three-county mental health center.
Bernie was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, including his charter membership with New Life Lutheran Church in Gallipolis, Ohio. He received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award, given for 50 years devoted to scouting. Bernie enjoyed serving in his community through various civic involvements. He was restored through his love of his family and the outdoors.
Surviving are wife of 68 years, Eunice (Patterson) Niehm, of Hollidaysburg, PA and 2 children Julie (Mike) Supp of Hollidaysburg, PA and Patricia Niehm (Matt Sterrett) of Bloomington, IL. Also surviving are brother Raymond (Ginny) of Sandusky, OH, sister-in-law Barb of Willcox, AZ, and 6 grandchildren Benjamin, Nathaniel, Joshua, Jenna, Dustin, and Maisie.
He was preceded in death by son, Bernie F. Niehm, Jr., uncle Emil, brothers Dick and Bob, and sisters Audrey and Dorothy.
Friends may call on Monday, December 8, 2014, from 10:30 A.M. until time of funeral services at Noon in Zion Lutheran Church, 503 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio. The Rev. John Jackson will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky, where the American Legion Post 83 Color Guard will provide the military tribute.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, Senior Daily Living Center, 701 Quail Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH is handling arrangements. Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting www.toftfh.com.
