David M. Niemeyer, 69, of rural Cortland passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Bryan East Medical Center, surrounded by his wife and sons. He was born March 25, 1956, to Gilbert and LaVina (Nelson) Niemeyer.
He was baptized at home by Pastor Adolph Lillich on April 15, 1956. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul&'s (Soap Creek) Lutheran Church of rural DeWitt, where he was confirmed April 4, 1971. He was born with a love for farming and a love for the land. He spent most of his days helping his dad and grandpa tend to the fields and animals. He attended Barkey Country School until it closed and then he attended Norris School, where he graduated in 1974.
After high school, he attended Southeast Community College in Milford before returning to the farm
to join his father, where later his sons would join him. On Aug. 25, 1980, he was united in marriage to Sharon Homolka, and to this union, were born two sons, Matthew David and Brandon Michael.
Off the farm, David was devoted to his community. He served on the Cortland Volunteer Fire Department for 44 years and was chief for 24 of those years. He was a member of the Cortland-Lancaster Rural Fire District, Gage County Planning and Zoning Committee. He served on the Gage County Emergency Management board, and also served his church through numerous roles. He played a vital role in getting the 911 System up and running in Gage County as well as implementing address signs for all residences.
He was an advocate for conservation programs and was always working to improve the land. One of the most important roles in his life was being a grandpa. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He would't miss a chance to teach them something in the shop, give them a ride in the combine or just follow them around the farm.
Left to tend to the farm are his wife of 44 years, Sharon; his sons, Matthew (Lacey) and their children Brecken (14), Kasen (11), Bristyl (5), and Brandon (Jenny) and their children Walker (2) and a baby girl to join this world very soon. He also leaves behind his favorite sister, Martha Lee Heyne and her husband, Matt ,of Yankton, South Dakota; aunt, Linda Henning of Crete; sisters-in-law, Vicki (Dave) Nielsen and Debbie Spanyers; several nieces and nephews and host of cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and LaVina Niemeyer; and parent-in-laws, Byron and Dorothy Homolka.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 21, at St. Paul's (Soap Creek) Lutheran Church of rural DeWitt. Burial will be at the St. Paul's (Soap Creek) Lutheran Cemetery of rural DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St Paul’s (Soap Creek) Lutheran Church and the Cortland Fire and Rescue. The body will lie in state at the Fox Funeral Home on Sunday, April 20, from 2 8 p.m. with the family greeting friends and family from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Arrangements by to Fox Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Beatrice.
