Noel John Nehman, of Fonda, IA, entered into eternal rest on Monday morning, March 14, 2022, surrounded by family at his home.  He was 82 years old.

Noel was born March 21, 1939, in rural Fonda, to parents John Albert and Margaret Edith (Ausborn) Nehman.  He was baptized into Christ at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, IA on April 16, 1939.  Noel was also confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church on May 24, 1953.  He grew up on the family farm where his passion for farming was quickly realized.  As a young boy, he attended country parochial schools in Knoke and Pomeroy, and later graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1957 where he was active in marching band and FFA.

Noel enlisted in the Air National Guard on January 2, 1962, and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1968.  He married the love of his life Kathyrn Kae (Lawrence) on April 4, 1965, at the United Methodist Church in Manson, IA.  Over the next six years, they were blessed with three children:  Deborah, Dale, and Angelia.

Noel was a life-long farmer where he took great pride in being a good steward of the land.  He was always known for lending a helping hand to anyone who needed it.  Noel was active in his home church of Immanuel Lutheran where over the years he served as an usher and a Sunday School teacher.  He and Kathy instilled the importance of faith and regular church attendance into their children.  When the children were young, it was common to find friends gathering for Card Club, birthdays, and other celebrations.  When the winter months kept him inside, Noel enjoyed putting together model airplanes and cars and working with his hands.  He and Kathy also enjoyed going dancing with friends at the Lakewood Ballroom in Lakeview, IA.  He enjoyed attending his children’s school functions and activities including sporting events, cheerleading, 4-H, FFA, and especially anything musical.  In his later years, Noel developed a fondness for collecting old farm machinery, especially old plows.  Over the years, he and his son, Dale, restored several pieces together.  They also took part in plowing bees and many tractor rides throughout the state.  Noel enjoyed any occasion to get together, talk with friends and share a beer.  He loved his community and fellow farmers.  He took pride in watching his children grow into adulthood and build their own lives.  He loved farming with his son and grew to enjoy the advancements and technology brought to farming from a younger generation.  Noel was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sac City, IA.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 57 years, Kathyrn, along with his children:  daughter, Deborah Nehman of Omaha, NE; son, Dale Nehman (fiancée Tammy O’Brien) of Manson, IA; and daughter, Angelia (Mark) Marquis of Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Lauren Kasper (fiancé Daniel Mende) of Omaha, NE; sister Mardith Sams of Otho, IA; and a multitude of friends and loved ones.  Noel never knew a stranger.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Nehman, and his two nephews, Glenn Sams and Stuart (Hap) Sams.

The family has chosen two organizations to which family and friends can make donations in Noel’s name.

* St. Croix Hospice, 1015 S Grand Ave, Spencer, IA 51301

* Knoke Volunteer Fire Department, Contact Randy Nehman at 712-887-1095