Jack George Niesen, 83, of Aberdeen, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at his home. His wishes were to be cremated.
Jack’s memorial service, for immediate family only, will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2020, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Jeff Whillock, of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, officiating.
Burial, with military rites, follows at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Aberdeen.
Family and friends may sign Jack’s online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.
Jack George Niesen was born August 25, 1936, in Britton, SD. He was raised by his step-parents, George and Myrna (Annonson) Sanders in Britton, where he also attended school and graduated from Britton High School with the Class of 1954. Jack then furthered his education at Northern State College, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1959 and then his Master’s Degree in Education. While attending Northern, Jack was the starting quarterback for the Wolves and was eventually inducted into The Northern State Hall of Fame.
Jack enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1958 and served his country until 1968, when he was honorably discharged.
Jack was united in marriage to Twyla E. Ellestad on December 14, 1958, in Britton. His teaching career led them to living in Miller, SD and Tyndall, SD where he taught physical education, driver’s education, and also coached football and wrestling. In 1965, Jack and his family moved to Aberdeen, where he continued to teach and was the Head Coach for the Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles football team. After leaving Aberdeen Central, he then spent 12 years teaching physical education at C.C. Lee Elementary School in Aberdeen. Jack was later inducted into the Aberdeen Central Hall of Fame. He was also instrumental in starting the wrestling program in South Dakota and eventually became a member of the South Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame.
After retiring from teaching, Jack held a 20-year career working as a crop adjuster for Rain and Hail LLC.
In earlier years, Jack enjoyed hunting, spending time outdoors, and camping at Roy Lake. He also enjoyed watching all college athletic events and was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan.
Grateful to have shared in Jack’s life is his wife of 61 years, Twyla Niesen of Aberdeen; three sons: Kirk Niesen of Aberdeen, Kraig (Sandra) Niesen of Oakes, ND and Kent (Sherise) Niesen of Las Vegas, NV; three grandchildren; and his half-sister, Mary Ellen St. Sauver of Britton, SD.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences may be sent to: Box 131, Aberdeen, SD 57401.
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