NIICHEL, Eugene Edward

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: July 19, 2017 >> June 13, 1930 — July 7, 2017 << Eugene Edward Niichel, 87, passed away July 7. Gene was born and raised in Iowa. He served in United States Air Force. In 1955, Gene married the love of his life, Joan O’Connor. They moved to Lake Havasu City in 1969, where they raised their six children. Gene was a well-known and respected general contractor. Over the course of his career, he built more than 400 houses and condos in Lake Havasu City before retiring in 1992. Geno, as he was known to all of his friends, was very active over the years, playing tennis, fishing, and of course golfing. He golfed six days a week with the Niichel group, walking 18 holes until he was in his late seventies. Gene was very involved in the Catholic Church. He taught catechism and RCIA classes for adults converting to Catholicism, as well as taking communion to the sick and homebound. He also volunteered with Hospice of Havasu. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 62 years, daughter Marji Dolstad, her son James Woods and daughter April Woods,/ the family of the late Gary Niichel (his wife Lynda, daughters Jessica, Samantha, and Charlotte), son Richard Niichel, son Lee Niichel, his son Ryan and daughters Brianna and Jourdin, son John Niichel, wife Kathy, children Maddie and Ben, daughter Ann Holmgreen, husband Ron, children Alyssa, Tyler, and Colton,/ and seven great-grandchildren. Gene was an example of what a great husband; father, grandfather, and gentleman are all about. We will miss his humor, wisdom, and love. A memorial mass is set for 11 a.m., Aug. 11 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.