Edna Florence Niermeier, 95, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Sheridan County Long Term Care. She was born on March 13, 1929, in Rural Sheridan County, Kansas, to Ernest and Sophie (Friedrichs) Wasserman.
Edna grew up on the family farm with her siblings, where she developed a love for the simple joys of farm life, including riding her horse, Molly. She attended Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School, graduating from the eighth grade. At the age of thirteen, shortly after her mother’s passing, Edna stayed home to help care for her older brother, Gilbert, and her father. She later worked for Vic Newland at Vic’s Grocery Store and became an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she met her future husband, Herman Niermeier.
With the help of her sister, Lucille, and brother-in-law, Oscar Hesterberg, Edna and Herman’s friendship blossomed into love, leading to their marriage on October 29, 1950. Together, they built a life on the farm Herman had owned, raising six children and working side by side in all aspects of farm life. Edna was known for her tireless work ethic—whether driving the tractor, tending to cattle and chickens, or caring for a bountiful garden. She was also a talented cook and an avid crafter, always keeping her hands busy with embroidery and other handiwork.
Above all, Edna was a devoted mother and grandmother, putting others before herself. She was a “Bright Star” in the lives of her children and grandchildren, who cherished her unwavering love and support. Her spunky, determined spirit touched all who knew her.
Edna is survived by her six children, Fred Niermeier (Nancy), Gary Niermeier, Dave Niermeier (Shirley) of Hoxie, Kansas; Stan Niermeier of Colby, Kansas; Vi Wegele (Randy) of Wakeeney, Kansas; and Judy Ayala of McKinney, Texas; along with her 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Niermeier; her parents, Ernest and Sophie Wasserman; her brother and sister-in-law, Gilbert and Edith Wasserman; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Lucille and Oscar Hesterberg, and Evelyn and Loyal Packer; son-in-law, Andrew Ayala; and her great-great-grandson, Andrew Ayala V.
A funeral service to celebrate Edna’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hoxie, Kansas, with interment immediately following in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home in Hoxie on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk or the Sheridan County Long Term Care Activities Department and may be sent to the family in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.
Edna will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.