Richard C. Niese Sr., 75, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee, OH.

He was born on April 26, 1938 to Mearl and Wilmetta "Betty" (Miller) Niese in Hamler.  On February 5, 1959 he married Betty Jean (Curtis) Niese.

He was a farm hand in Upper Sandusky & Henry County, a  welder in  Delta at Little Dudes.  He enjoyed steam engines, welding and fixing cars..

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, son, "Ricky" Carl Niese Jr. of Defiance, 5 grandchildren, 2 great gramdchildren, sisters, Bernadine (Eugene) Gee of Defiance, Ruth (John) Conklin of Stryker, Betty Ann (Robert) Austermiller of Malinta,  Connie Niese of Marysville and Debra (Daryl) Chamberlin of Grand Rapids.

He was preceded in death by parents, son, Jerry Niese, daughter, Jeannie Niese, brothers, John, Jr. & Kenneth Niese and a sister, Sherri Holbrook.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 30, 2014 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with a memorial service being held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Isaac Shelton, Jr. officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.