Dorothy Ann Niess

Dorothy Niess was gifted back to her God at Mitchell County Regional Hospital on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024. She was surrounded by her children who sang her favorite Christmas carols to her. Dorothy Niess was born June 25, 1931, to Sam and Florence (Blonigan) Bonoff in Osage, Iowa. She grew up on a farm southeast of Osage with her two sisters, Luella and Mary. She loved the farming life and developed an appreciation for the beauty of nature, particularly in flowers. Her love of family began at this time and described her childhood as being wonderful. Dorothy fell in love with the hired man when she was a senior in high school. Matt Niess was back from Germany where he had served in WWII and was working at the Bonoff farm. They were married on her 18th birthday, June 25, 1949. Together they started farming and raising a large family just down the road from her parents. Dorothy and Matt were married 68 years. She lived on that road for 91 years. She loved to cook, and many big meals were prepared for her nine children and anyone else who may have stopped in or was brought home from school, all were welcome. Dorothy was involved in the Sacred Heart Guild, St. Theresa's Circle, 4-H leader, and started the Osage Alzheimer's Support Group. She was a prayer warrior in doing daily devotions, the rosary, and watching up to three daily masses on her iPad. Her children’s and grandchildren’s welfare were her primary concern, and we all benefited from those prayers. In 2022, Dorothy moved from her beloved farm to the Faith Home Assisted Living. She made many new friends and enjoyed visiting with them and playing cards. Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Julie Vulk (Greg), Jody Niess Ellickson (Dale), Cindy Schissel (Randy), Christy Truxaw (Dick), and Laurie Gisleson (Bill); sons, Tim Niess, Scott Niess (Julie), and Brian Niess (Cari); daughter-in-law, Pat Niess; sister-in-law, Joan Koenigs (Deo); brother-in-law, Al Kluesner. Also left to enjoy her memory are 27 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Matt; son, Tom Niess; daughter-in-law, Jane Niess; sisters, Luella Bonoff and Mary Kluesner; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Celia Niess, brothers-in-law, Edmund, Frank, Gus, and Joe Niess; sisters-in-law, Helen Bena, Mary Anderson, Sr. Cathrine Niess, Celia Guy, Margaret Tray, and Rita Schrandt. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle officiating. A visitation will be held Friday, December 6, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. rosary at 3:45 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Osage, Iowa following the service. Champion Funeral Home of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.schroederfuneralhomes.com.