Wilbert Nies

Wilbert J. Nies, 80, Bismarck, formerly of Wishek, passed away February 28, 2008 at Medcenter One Hospital, Bismarck, after battling health problems for several years. He was surrounded by loving family who are grieving the loss of their husband, father, grandfather and brother. Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Wishek with Rev. Jo Pfennig officiating. Burial will be in St. Luke's Cemetery, Wishek. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Wilbert was born on the family farm southwest of Wishek on March 5, 1927, the son of Jacob and Martha Aipperspach Nies. He grew to manhood there, attending Rosenfield School and being confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Andrew's Church near Zeeland. He worked on the family farm his entire life, except for a year in the U.S. Army from November 1945 - November 1946. He married Evelyn Miller from Ashley on July 27, 1947. They moved to a farm southwest of Burnstad where they lived for a time before moving to the family farm where they lived until 1973 when they moved into Wishek, continuing to farm until 1995. Willie was very active in various organizations throughout the years. He and Evelyn were both volunteer EMTs as well as transport drivers for the Veteran's Administration, members of the saddle club, Wishek American Legion and Eagle's Club. National Farmers Organization was a passion of his during the late 1960s. Willie and Evelyn enjoyed life and traveling, and spent many winters in Apache Junction, AZ. After suffering from cancer in 2004, Willie developed other health problems and they were unable to continue their Arizona excursions. They moved to Bismarck in 2005, where they resided at the time of his death. Willie greatly enjoyed family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took great joy in teaching them to ride horse and drive the pickup. He also enjoyed farming, working with horses and livestock, and in the latter years strictly crop farming. He was outspoken and well-read, never missing the daily newspaper and watching the news. He instilled in his children the desire to learn and stand up for principles. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn; his children, Sandra Arnold Zimmerman of Rochester, MN, Mark Nancy of Crookston, MN and Richard Brenda of Bismarck, ND; his grandchildren, Renee Tom Hess and their children, Michael and Jacob, Jodi Mark McCarty, Tammy Shane Jensen and their children, Kirsten and Macee, John Zimmerman, Nicole Nies Jason Darling and their daughter, Molly, Valerie Nies, Rory Nies and Sarah Nies; his brother, Elmer Ilene Nies of Bemidji, MN; and his sisters, Irene Bitz of Ashley, ND, Millie Tom Meidinger of Jamestown, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gary; his infant brother, Otto and his granddaughter, Carrie. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, 1102 S. Washington St. Bismarck, ND 58504 and to Rochester Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development, Mayo Foundation 201 St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

Wilbert Nies

March 5, 1927 - February 28, 2008