John Harlan Niesen, age 82 of Manistee, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved
ones on Sunday November 24, 2024.

Born June 5, 1942, in Manistee, Michigan, John was the son of the late Clyde Harlan and Grace Jeanette (Olsen) Niesen. He graduated from Onekama High School, Class of 1960. On July 9, 1960, John married Kreyhbel Rae Olson at Norwalk Lutheran Church. They shared over 62 years together raising eight
children before Kreyhbel's passing on December 17, 2022.

John took great pride in everything he did. He was a farmer and worked as an equipment operator for the Manistee County Road Commission for 35 years before retiring on March 4, 2004.

In his spare time John enjoyed reading, history, and geography. He absolutely loved spending time with his family and being outside working on the farm.

John is survived by his children and their spouses, Julie (Robert) Niesen-Stradt, Matthew (Heather) Niesen, Jennifer Petzak, Kristine Ferry, Katherine Lindeman, Deborah Schneider, Susan (Gary) Nielsen, Rebecca (James) Fitzell, twenty one grandchildren: Daniel (Samantha) Niesen, Christopher Petzak, Jessica Niesen, Jaclyn (Kirt) Harold, Stephanie (Spence) Teasley, Zachary (Allie) Lindeman, Elliot (Jessica) Hallett, Brittany Evans, Violet Schneider, Nicholas Hallett, Janelle (Trent) Denhof, Katie Evans, Annalise Petzak, Jonathan Petzak, Matthew Otis, Sela Fitzell, Kebe Fitzell, Jordan LaPoint, Kristen (Perry) Stradt Johnson, Thomas LaPoint, Joseph (Hailey) Stradt; and nine great-grandchildren: Hunter Niesen, Kenyon Cook, Riley Niesen, Kendall Cook, Penelope Niesen, Margo Teasley, Louis Teasley, Morgan LaPoint, and McKinzie LaPoint.

John is also survived by his sister, Amy Heinanen, brother, Eric Niesen, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Rose Marie Otis.

Please visit www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo, memory, or condolences with John's family. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.