Beloved companion of Isabel Armbruster; loving father of Maggie (Andrew) Ledbetter; dear grandfather of Aubrey, Reagan and Mackenzie Ledbetter; dear son of the late Ralph and Trudy Niehaus; dear brother of Sue (Jerry) Frye, Terri (John) Thumann, Mary Jo (Jerry) Vanden Eynden, Gretchen (Steve) Schauff, Steve Niehaus, Lisa (Greg Hagen) Niehaus and Tim Niehaus, dear uncle, cousin and friend.
John grew up in Reading, Ohio a suburb of Cincinnati. He attended Archbishop Moeller High School where he lettered in Track, Basketball, and Football. His football scholarship led him to the University of Alabama where he played linebacker for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
His career in the river transportation business took him to Cincinnati, Greenville, MS, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Nashville, and finally to Granite City, IL where he served as a partner at Lewis and Clark Marine until he retired in 2013. During that time, he served as a board member and then president of the Phoenix Crisis Center.
His retirement allowed him to enjoy his interests of hiking, cycling and golf along with his daily workouts. He loved traveling out West, and even biked Death Valley. What he cherished most about retirement was the time he was able to spend with his granddaughters. He never missed a school or sporting event, or an opportunity to spoil the girls.
John was a man of strong character and integrity. He knew no stranger and was generous to a fault. He was a real life “Superman” who fought ALS courageously the last two years. He will be missed by many.
Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL 10151 Gravois Friday August 28, 9:45 AM to Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Valley Park) for 10:30 AM mass. Interment Sunset Cemetery. Memorials to ALS Association-St. Louis Regional Chapter http://webstl.alsa.org appreciated. Visitation Thursday 3:00-9:00 PM.
John is home now with the Lord our God, he will be missed but I will see him again one day, he was a great friend a great teammate and will be missed by all that knew him. John had a great life worked hard and was very successful , as has been stated many times Our few final days is not important it is the time you live and what you do with your life before those final few, John lived life to the fullest loved his family and friends , enjoyed everyday ! God Bless John
We Loved John, so thankful God traveled by his side and continue to fill his Holy Spirit tank each dayWe will see you again my friend❤️
We are friends of Isabel and we are so sorry to hear this. I know Isabel told me of his courageous fight and long suffering. May God bless your family, knowing he is now at peace and in a wonderful place. Sincerely, Joel and Linda Belk
Terrible disease but I remember the John pictured and described as such a complete wonderful strong guy. We were partners on the football field and non the track. We had a chance to spend a few hours together in Cincinnati a few years back. It was so good to see him. Rest In Peace my friend
John was one of the good guys. Easy to be around and a great athlete. I’m am sorry that we couldn’t get together later in life. God Bless him.
My condolences on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
John was a special person.Those who knew him a long time were especially blessed. Tom and Ilene Butts.
I met John about 30 years ago when our daughters were dancing together at the same dance studio. He was just such a nice, friendly, personable guy. We spent quite a few years hanging out together at dance recitals and dance competitions. There was a group of us dads that had been together for awhile, but John always made a point of making new dads feel welcome and included. That is just the way he was. I have very fond memories of the times we spent together watching our daughters dance. I also recall when the Pope visited St.Louis in 1999. John wanted to see the motorcade, so I went with him. We stood on Lindell Ave. for about 8 hours waiting, then the Pope came by at 40 miles an hour. By the time we left, John knew the names of all the people around us and a little bit about each of them. He was a really good guy.
I am honored to have known you,and your family, John. You fought like a true hero. Rest in the arms of Jesus now. You will be missed. Tracy Pardue Naeger RN
Isabel and family,
We are sending you our thoughts and prayers at this time, and we are so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful and special man. ❤❤❤
Blessings,
Sarah (Tracy Naeger’s daughter) and Paul Cantrell
John, you were a special person and a good friend for over 40 years. We first met in the river business back in the’70’s. Rest in peace old buddy. And “Roll Tide!”
So sad to hear about the loss of John and I am sure he will be missed. He was a good person and great classmate. I am sure he will be missed by many and great memories of our time together …God bless.
To the Niehaus family my condolences. I went to high school with John at Moeller. John was a fantastic person. always a smile on his face. Such a good athlete. Such a great guy.
To the family of John, we’re so sorry for your loss.
We grew up with John in Cinncinnati.
My husband Henry graduated from Moeller High School with him in 1972. And I have very fond memories of fun time spent at many summer parties.
We’ll keep all of you in our prayers during this sad time.
Henry and Mary Meyer
my thoughts & prayers are with ya’ll Isabel & Maggie. I was a teammate and same class as John. Cherishing memories of my ole teammate, till we meet again one day.
To the Niehaus family, My condolences on the loss of your brother.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was truly a good man. Always had a smile on his face. Sending prayers to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed.
I have known John since kindergarten, my heart broke when I learned John had ALS, I had watched a friend die many years ago from ALS. Terrible.
John has been gone from Reading since high school, but he came home occasionally to visit family and I was fortunate enough to have seen him. Anyone who knew John can only have kind words about him
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of John. His battle with ALS was heartbreaking. Isabelle, you are so loving, brave, devoted and a real blessing while accompanying John on his journey. Our prayers are with you and all of the family. May God’s blessings be with you.
Much love,
Jean and Frank Margello
We cherish the lives of our “Statesmen” who through their love and noble spirit, pave the way for us on life’s journey. May his torch forever burn in the hearts of all of you who cherish John as family and friend. Love Always Wins…
John was a wonderful friend back in our days together at Moeller HS. We played basketball together for the first three years…what a great athlete and even better teammate. John was always upbeat and positive which made it easy for people to gravitate to him. We had so many great times on & off the court. It will be those happy memories that I will always remember him by. No more pain & suffering, John. You’re now Home!!!
So glad you are no longer in pain. Rest In Peace. I will see you again one day my friend.
Deepest sympathy to the Niehaus family on the passing of John.
One of the truly nice guys. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wendell & Cindy (Fishback) Parrish
My Prayers to John and the entire Niehaus family. I grew up in Reading and knew John from grade school and high school. I was a teammate of John’s on the basketball and track teams at Moeller. John was a great athlete, a great teammate, and a great friend. God Bless and Rest in Peace Old Friend.
My prayers to John and the entire Niehaus family. I grew up in Reading and knew John from grade school and high school. I was a teammate of John’s on the basketball and track teams at Moeller. John was a great athlete, a great teammate, and a great friend. Rest in Peace Old Friend.
We are long-time neighbors and friends of John and Terri and family. Our thoughts are with you. This has been such a tough journey for all of you over these past two years. May you be blessed during this next part of your journey. Much love from Joanne and Jim.
Maggie, please play the song “God’s Hands”, from the album Top of the Mountain by Patricia Vonne, sometime during your dad’s memorial service. From me, that would mean a lot. Thanks!!!
Was so sad to hear of Johns passing. Remembering all the great times we all had in High School and how kind he was to all. When I think of him I think of his great smile and happy disposition. God Bless his family during this difficult time.
May John and His Family be Held in the Highest and Best Light & Support for this time of John’s transition. Even though John is no longer in Body His Light & Love continues to shine on forever!
Hopefully, he will be happy at Gods Feat and I am praying for your family during this hard time. I hope he is a seed sown for the life of many.
With deepest sympathy to all of Johns family. What a wonderful loving and courageous man.
Our memories of the fun loving cousin will always remain. The times spent together at his home in Readng and our home as well. Uncle Paul Niehaus thought of the nephews as the sons he never had My sisters and I all loved seeing what it was like to have brothers around.
he will truly be missed.
Maggie, I am so sorry this happened to your dad, and your family. I have known John, since seventh grade. He was an all around great guy. We had many fun times together. It was so nice to touch base with him a few years ago. He talked about you, and his beautiful granddaughters.
God bless you, and your family.
Dear Isabel, You were the best care giver Ever. Your devotion to John was second to none. I’m sure John’s suffering was eased by your never ending presence. After some of your most exhausting days you never let him down if he needed you at night time. One could see the relief and love in John’s eyes when he would look at you. Your example of love and devotion will always be impressed in my memory. It was my pleasure helping to take care of John with you. I believe John is now in the presence of the Lord, in better health then his best day at Alabama State, because of his faith in Jesus. You will always be in my prayers and you have a special place in my heart Isabel. Sincerely, Lorraine Thomas
Just heard of the passing of this gentalmen grew up in Reading also the whole family were great ppl very supportive just can’t believe the loss to the family and to the world
I remember John and brother Steve as standout sophomore starters for Moeller in our 1969 10-0 season. Very quiet but serious and a brother to all. #24 forever.
Stubzy