Obituary

Bernard T. Meiners, 95 of Coon Rapids, died Monday, September 1, 2025 at Thomas Rest Haven in Coon Rapids surrounded by his family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dedham. The Celebrant will be Fr. Patrick Behm, assisted by Deacon Louis Meiners. Music will be by Jane Heithoff and the St. Joseph’s Choir. Lector for the Funeral Mass will be Jill Klein. Gift Bearers will be Talina Haskins, Caitlin ThongVahn, and Amanda Meiners. Casket Bearers will be Brian Meiners, Ben Meiners, Aaron Meiners, Lucas Meiners, Jason Nees, Mike Nees, Ryan Schultes, Tyler Schultes, Jordan Schultes, Justin Meiners, and Trenton Meiners. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dedham with military honors conducted by the Dedham American Legion.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a rosary at 7 p.m. The casket will be moved to St. Joseph’s Church on Friday morning where additional visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.

Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Bernard’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.

Lillian C. Nieland, 87 of Carroll, died Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 12, 2021, at St. John Paul II Parish – St. Lawrence Church in Carroll. The Celebrant will be Fr. Kevin Richter. Music will be by Kathy Halbur. Lectors will be Courtney Clark and Tiffany Housego. Gift Bearers for the Funeral Mass will be Emma Light Tiffany Housego and Courtney Clark. Casket Bearers will be Cody Nieland, Zack Nieland, JT Nieland, Trevor Schnuckel, Branden Light, and Kyle Clark. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Friday at the church.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for Lillian’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Lillian C. Nieland was born on October 1, 1934, in Johnstown, New York and she was the daughter of Howard and Nellie (Waters) Ayers. She had 6 brothers and 3 sisters and graduated from Gloversville High School with the class of 1953. Lillian went to college to become a dietician. Lillian and Julius Nieland Jr. married on November 11, 1963.
Lillian served in many capacities. She was a girl scout leader for 30 years, cub scout and den leader for many years. She served Carroll American Legion as Sergeant of Arms and Vice President for several years; President for 12 years until 2017 when it was disbanded. From 2017 to present was a member of the Breda American Legion. Lillian was a member of the St. Lawrence Church in Carroll.
Lillian ran an in-home daycare and worked at Carroll Community Schools until her retirement. She had a love for dogs, traveling, especially to upstate New York to visit family and friends. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, crafts, doing craft shows, making wedding flowers, and collecting teddy bears. Most of all she loved her time spent with family.
Lillian is survived by her children: Mike and Cheryl Nieland of Des Moines, Cindy and Rod Schnuckel of Odebolt, and Stephanie Light of Carroll; her grandchildren: Cody and Lisa Nieland, Zack and Lynsay Nieland, JT and Tierney Nieland, Courtney and Kyle Clark, Trevor Schnuckel, Tiffany Housego, Branden Light, Emma Light; her great-grandchildren: Arabella, Weston, Ashlynn, and Blakely Nieland and Kynsley Clark; her siblings: Murrell, Robert, Joice, Pat, and her sister-in-law Joan, all from New York State; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Don and Kay Nieland, Jim and Pam Nieland, Larry and Karen Nieland, Mary Ann and Dan Schroeder, and Dan Hanson; as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Julius Nieland Jr. her parents-in-law, Julius Sr. and Emma Nieland; her siblings: Virginia, Harry, Howard, Herman, and Henry; her son-in-law, John Light; her grandson, Alex; her great-granddaughter, Paisleigh; and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Virgil Nieland, Sharon Nieland, and Erma Hanson.

Church Service

Friday, September 5, 2025 10:30 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Burial

Sharp Funeral Home ~ Carroll, Iowa

226 W. 8th St., Carroll, IA, 51401

712-792-4301

[email protected]

https://www.sharpfuneral.com

Church Service

Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Sharp Funeral Home – Carroll
226 W. 8th St, Carroll, IA 50401

Friday, September 5, 2025
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
420 3rd Ave, Dedham, IA 51440

Obituary

Born March 31, 1930, he was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Rotert) Meiners. He grew up in the Dedham-Willey area and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Willey in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army July 8, 1953 and was stationed at Wurzburg, Germany. He was discharged on May 20, 1955.

Bernard married Dolores S. Halbur on January 24, 1956 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Halbur. After being married Bernard and Dolores lived 3 miles north of Dedham for two years. In 1958, they moved to the farm they purchased four miles east of Dedham. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Dale, David, Cathleen, Christine, and Gary. Dolores passed away January 21, 1978.

On August 9, 1980, Bernard married Marita Eickman at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. In May 2011, Bernard and Marita moved off the farm into the town of Coon Rapids, Iowa. They made their home there for 14 years. In April 2025, they moved to Parkview Assisted Living in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

During Bernard’s lifetime, he farmed, had a dairy operation, had a cow/calf operation, and raised hogs. He retired in 1992. He is a current member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dedham, a member of the Dedham American Legion Post #20, and a member of the Manning VFW. In July 2001 Bernard, being a Korean Veteran, had the privilege to go on the Military Honor Flight to Washington DC. Just recently he was presented with a Quilt of Valor at Thomas Rest Haven, and at the age of 95 he still enjoyed attending the Legion meetings.

Bernard loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Holiday gatherings were a treat for him to get to see most of them at one time. In his spare time Bernard enjoyed gathering black walnuts in the fall and kept busy shelling the walnuts during the winter. Family and friends benefited from the fruits of his labor.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marita Meiners; his children, Dale (Mary) Meiners of Carroll, David (Jane) Meiners of Varna, IL, Cathleen (Larry) Nees of Coon Rapids, Christine (Mark) Schultes of Dedham, and Gary (Barb) Meiners of Manson; 19 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with 2 more coming in October; a brother Anthony (Colleen) Meiners of Carroll; 2 sisters, Catherine Wittrock of Carroll and Marcella Naberhaus of Carroll; his sisters-in-laws, Margaret (Tom) Denker of Manning, and Pat (Joe) Goblirsch of Jesup. He is also survived by Marita’s children, Richard (Sandy) Eickman of Omaha, NE, James (Joni) Eickman of Dyer, TN, Dave (Joan) Eickman of Macungie, PA, Randy (Rose) Eickman of Coon Rapids, Nancy Eickman and Jim Springer of Warren, NJ, and Karen Heck of Delano, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

Bernard was preceded in death by his first wife Dolores S. Meiners; a son Daniel J. Meiners; Marita’s son Bill Eickman; his parents Bernard and Catherine Meiners; his brothers John (Margaret) Meiners, Albert (Frances) Meiners; his brothers-in-law Clarence Wittrock, Norbert Naberhaus, Cletus (Emaline) Halbur, Norman (Inez) Halbur, Larry (JoAnn) Halbur; his brother-in-law, William (Marie) Halbur; Dolores’ parents, William and Frances Halbur, and stepmother-in-law, Josephine Halbur.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernard T. Meiners, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Tribute Wall

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Mike Cindy Stephanie and your families. Our hearts have a empty spot missing mom along with you. Remember all the good times we all shared and let god handle the rest. Their sharing this anniversary together this year. Lover to you all. Larry and Karan

karan L Nieland – November 05 2021 at 10:07 PM

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My deepest sympathy to Lil’s family. She was a great lady! You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Renee Mueggenberg

renee mueggenberg – November 06 2021 at 8:35 AM

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I’m sure she is an angel in heaven. She was a kind generous fun lady. I spent many years in Girl Scouts with her. Some of our Most fun times were at Girl Scout camp. She was a dear friend and will be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Norma Jean (Macke)Enos – November 06 2021 at 5:08 PM

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My deepest sympathy to the Nieland family. Lil was a wonderful lady. Her youngest and my oldest were the same age so she basically walked me through raising my kids. She was at my door in a time of crisis for me to stay and see me through yet her door was always open for me. She taught me so much and we often sat and laughed together. Being only a block away made those days so easy. She will be missed. God Bless her whole family.

Sue Schaefer – November 07 2021 at 10:03 AM

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What a very special lady she was. Always had a smile on her face. I will miss you Lillian. Cheryl Cruchelow

Cheryl Cruchelow – November 09 2021 at 9:33 PM

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