Obituary of Merle Niethe

Merle F. "Bud" Niethe, age 87, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Born in Lockport on January 21, 1925 he was the son of Fred O. Niethe and Margaret M. (Nolan) Niethe. Merle was a decorated combat veteran, having served with the Anti Tank Company, 321st Infantry Regiment in the Army 81st Infantry Division ("The Wildcats"). He was part of "Operation Stalemate II", the U.S. Army invasion of Angaur and Peleliu Islands in September 1944 while "The Wildcats" were attached to the 1st Marine Division. He took part in the battle of Leyte in October 1944. He always made the point that he was not personally proud of his military service; rather he was proud of the sacrifices of other members of the United States military, especially those who gave their lives in the Pacific Theater. After hostilities ended he served as a Military Policeman during the U.S. occupation of Japan. After the war he stayed in touch with members of the Wildcats and attended their reunions for many years. He was a member of the B. Leo Dolan Post 410 of the American Legion. His children consider him to be a hero. He graduated from Lockport High School after his return from military duty. He worked for many years at Drum Oil Company in Gasport. He retired after twenty five years as a machinist at Harrison Radiator, and was a standing member of Local Union 686. He was a long time member of Lockport Alliance Church. He never hesitated to tell others that he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. Bud was an exceptionally patient man who had a profound affect on many people. He enjoyed camping and traveling, taking his family on camping trips to the Adirondacks and other beautiful places. Years ago he was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association and the Dale Association for many years. He greatly enjoyed being part of HISTOP, "History Shared Through Our Photographs", a program in which seniors volunteer to interact with 4th graders from the Lockport area elementary schools. He enjoyed staying at the family cottage and attending events at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center in Rome, NY. He had a great passion for reading and for studying American military history, and was a routine visitor to the Lockport Public Library. He collected antique bottles and had a lifelong passion for learning, especially about Lockport history and Lockport glass makers in particular. He married Betty Bowler in 1948. She predeceased him on August 14, 1979. He married Martha Webster Smith in 1985. She predeceased him on March 1, 2003. He was the beloved father of Carolyn Simmons of Oneonta, NY, Gail (Andrew) Johnson of Burt, NY, Michael Niethe and Peggy Niethe of Lockport. He is survived by eight grandchildren; Megan (Christopher) Keator, of Dominica, Carrie Simmons of Oneonta, Christa Simmons of Portland, OR, Ben (Susan) Niethe of Mesa, AZ, Andrew Johnson and Martin Johnson of Burt, Jennifer Niethe and Kimberly Niethe of Lockport. He is also survived by four great grandchildren; Sarah Ziemba, Jacob Niethe, Cassandra Keator and Tyler Keator. He is also survived by four step children; Keith (Vicki) Smith, Douglas (Darla) Smith, Jeffrey (Michelle) Smith all of Lockport, and Lori Smith Christie Monroe, GA. He is survived by eight step grandchildren; Donald, Joseph, Jacob, Megan, Melanie and Valerie Smith, and Amber and Gretchen Christie; two step great grandchildren; Alex and Natalie Christie. He is survived by two brothers, Norman (Jane) Niethe and Robert (Hiroko) Niethe, along with many nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Friends may call between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Lockport Alliance Church, corner of Davison Road and East High Street. Interment with military honors will be in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Lockport Alliance Church or Delta Lake Bible Conference Center Haven Camp (for disabled children) would be appreciated by the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. <h3>Services</h3> Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Lockport Alliance Church, corner of Davison Road and East High Street. <h3>Interment</h3> Interment with military honors will be in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery.