Michael Raymond Nieland 1956-2016

NIELAND, ROHRDANZ, CREWS, URBAN, TAUKE, MURPHY

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 11/8/2016 at 08:39:06

ANKENY, Iowa - Michael Raymond Nieland, 59, from Ankeny, IA, was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, as a result of an inoperable brain aneurysm, April 21, 2016.

Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, and the funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today, at the Ankeny Evangelical Free Church at 118 NW Linden Street, Ankeny, IA; burial to follow at Highview Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa, at 5:00 pm.

Mike was born on November 30, 1956, in Dubuque, IA, to Ray and Patricia Nieland. He grew up in eastern Iowa, graduated from Western Dubuque High School, and received his undergraduate degree from Central College in Pella, IA, and his Master's degree in Instructional Technology from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Mike taught for over 30 years in the public and Christian schools, passionately teaching, coaching and influencing young lives. He was a lifelong learner and most recently had been fervently studying the Bible in preparation for leading a trip to Israel and Jordan through his travel ministry, Blue Marble Journeys.

Mike was united in marriage to Jane Urban on August 4, 1979, at the Epworth United Methodist Church. They were blessed with over 36 years of wedded bliss. Mike was a faithful servant and leader in ministry, teaching others how to grow in their Christian faith through Bible study, mission's trips, and travel experiences.

Mike leaves behind his wife Jane; father, Ray (Dana) Nieland; sisters, Sheri (Danny) Rohrdanz and Sandy (Jim) Murphy; brother, Rick (Dina) Nieland; step-sister, Tassie (John) Crews; over 60 nieces and nephews; as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, friends and church family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Nieland; brother, Kenny Nieland; parents-in-law, Paul and Irene Urban; sister-in-law, Julie Scott; brother-in-law, Mark Urban; step-brother, Troy Tauke; and nephew, Kroy Urban.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family and will be donated to Voice of the Martyrs, Spirit of Martyrdom, and Answers in Genesis Ark Encounter. Condolences and memories of Mike may be shared with his family at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.

Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA) - Monday, April 25, 2016