Constance ‘Connie’ M. Niemann
Constance “Connie” M. Niemann, age 93, passed away peacefully at her home on December 26, 2025. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and daughter, whose life was defined by faith, family, and service.
Constance Mary Niemann was born on August 4, 1932, to Ralph and Cecelia (Jansen) Volm. She graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended Quincy College, now Quincy University.
On October 6, 1951, Connie married her high school sweetheart, Richard H. Niemann, Sr. Their marriage spanned more than 70 years and was a true partnership rooted in love, dedication, and the Catholic faith. Together, they raised eight children: Linda M. Ebbing, Constance A. Wheeler (deceased), Richard H. Niemann, Jr., Daniel M. Niemann, Ted M. Niemann, Christopher J. Niemann, Margaret M. “Peggy” Guse, and Amy E. O’Keefe.
God and family were always at the center of Connie’s life. She was the proud mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 52, whose warm, welcoming home—especially during holidays—brought generations together. Her caring ways extended far beyond Rich, her children and grandchildren. She served as the caregiver for numerous family members. Guided by her Catholic faith and devotion to St. Mary, she lived with grace and devotion to Rich and her family, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Music was one of Connie’s lifelong passions and a defining part of her legacy. As a young woman, she played piano and marimba in the Notre Dame High School orchestra, and glockenspiel in the marching band. Music brought Rich and her together, with Rich often joking that he joined the band just to be close to Connie. She remained involved in music during her years while attending Quincy College, now Quincy University. Connie later shared her love of music with countless piano students, most notably her children and grandchildren, patiently instilling both skill and discipline. Through them, her musical influence will endure for generations.
Connie and Rich also cherished family vacations to Florida, family snow skiing at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and traveling throughout Europe. Some of their most treasured moments were spent at home with their children and grandchildren—by the pool, with the horses, or sharing a simple Sunday treat together. Connie also enjoyed playing golf and tennis with Rich and often looked forward to gathering with her close friends for a “game of bridge”, which was code for having a nice lunch together.
Connie was also deeply committed to serving her community. She gave generously of her time, talents, and treasure through leadership and volunteer roles with the Quincy Symphony Women’s Board, Encore Community Counseling Board, Adams County Mental Health Center, and the Executive Board of Good Samaritan Home. At St. Peter’s School, she served as pianist for the Children’s Choir, a Girl Scout leader, and co-founder of the school library. In recognition of her service, she was honored as the Girl Scouts’ “Woman of Distinction” in 2008.
Throughout her life, Connie was a devoted partner to her husband, Rich, offering steadfast encouragement and loyalty as he navigated the challenging early years and later success of the Niemann Foods grocery and other retail businesses. Together, Connie and Rich were recognized for their shared commitment to education, faith, and community, receiving the Quincy Notre Dame Band Award, the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation’s Friend of Catholic Education Award, and the Catholic Charities Distinguished Service Award. Connie and Rich have served on community fundraising campaigns for the Salvation Army, Adams County United Way, and Quincy University.
In memory of their late daughter, Connie and Rich established the “Connie Niemann Wheeler Scholarship Fund” at Quincy Notre Dame. In 2013, Connie and Rich, in conjunction with the Niemann Foods Foundation, partnered with Quincy University to establish the Connie Niemann Center for Music—a lasting testament to Rich’s love for Connie and their shared love for music. On January 16, 2021, Quincy University honored Connie (’54) and Rich (’53) with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their lifelong service and commitment to the university and the community.
Connie experienced the profound loss of her beloved husband when Rich passed away on September 25, 2022. Though she missed him deeply, her legacy of love, service, and devotion lived on in the lives of her family and all those she touched.
Connie’s legacy endures through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; through the music she shared; and through the traditions, faith, and generosity she modeled every day. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.
Connie is survived by her children, Linda (Steve) Ebbing, Rich (Susie) Niemann, Jr., Dan (Angie) Niemann, Ted (Suzanne) Niemann, Chris (Tammy) Niemann, Peggy (Randy) Guse, Amy (Patrick) O’Keefe, and son-in-law, Paul (JoJene) Wheeler II, as well as grandchildren, Dr. Jonathan (Dr. Devon) Ebbing, Abigail (Matthew) Klarner, Matthew (Erin) Ebbing, Jessica (Brett) Gerig, Paul (Dana)Wheeler, III, Audrey (Andy) Hermsmeier, Rich (Heather) Niemann, III, Brad (Jenna) Niemann, Andrea (Brian) Doellman, Doug (Erin) Niemann, Lisa (Adam) Hemmen, Ashley (Robbie) Mayfield, Mark (Lauren) Niemann, Scott (Amanda) Niemann, Genevieve (Max) Miller, Celeste Niemann, Angelica Niemann, Elizabeth (Chris) Dreste, Dr. Adam (Cathy) Niemann, Eric Niemann, Caroline Niemann, Lindsay Cardosi, Christopher Cardosi, and Alex Cardosi, and 52 great-grandchildren.
Predeceasing Connie are her husband, Rich, her daughter, Connie Niemann Wheeler, her parents, Ralph and Cecelia Volm, and her brother, Don Volm.
The Niemann family would like to thank the physicians, medical staff, and all caregivers who rendered medical treatment and constant care to Connie.
There will be a Catholic funeral mass at the Church of St. Peter, Quincy, Illinois, at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026, followed by a private graveside service at Calvary Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at the Connie Niemann Center for Music (1909 N 18th Street, located on Quincy University’s North Campus) on January 9, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Quincy University Connie Niemann Center for Music, Quincy Notre Dame Connie Niemann Wheeler Scholarship Fund, or Church of St. Peter (to be used for capital improvements). Contact Duker & Haugh Funeral Homes (217-222-1011) or haugh@dukerandhaugh.com for additional information.
Praying the family will feel the loving arms of Jesus wrapped around them during this difficult time. Cherish the memories.
Our thoughts are with the entire family.
Very sorry for your loss.
Eternal Rest Connie
Chaplain Mark Wiewel
Blessing Hospital
Deepest sympathy to the Niemann family. Connie was such a dear friend to my mother, Marjie Bergman. I’m sure all her family and friends, as well as the choirs in Heaven, are welcoming Connie home. Prayers for all.
Mrs. Niemann was always a classy, kind lady. Always attentive and warm to whomever she was speaking. She is at peace now. Peace to you and yours.
My sweet wonderful person she was.I got to have the honor of meeting a wonderful person and a great friend.I want to say it has been my pleasure to meet a wonderful person.my heart goes out to all of her family. Thank you for bringing me so many wonderful memories. Love you all
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Connie was so kind and friendly to all. May all of you feel God’s love through this emotional time.
Heartfelt condolences to all the family. I will never forget the kindness shown to my parents and me by Rich, Sr and Connie both when I was a child and as an adult when they verbalized their appreciation of Jacob’s work ethic. May they both rest in eternal peace.
Thinking of the Niemann Family and wishing them peace and comfort. Mrs Niemann was a wonderful lady and a very special friend to my parents and our family. I know how much she will be missed by her family.
Connie was a beautiful woman inside and out. I was a friend and helped out Nancy Kunkel’s and had the honor of meeting Connie. Then I also worked at the County Market on 24th street. Prayers for her loving family and May Connie rest in peace with her loving husband Rich now.
To the Niemann family,
In this tender season of goodbye, I’m holding the Niemann family in prayer. Your mother’s ninety-three years were a long, beautiful hymn — each chapter a verse of love, resilience, and grace. What a blessing to witness a life that ripened so fully under God’s care.
I keep returning to the memory of her 93rd birthday, when the family gathered across the miles to sing to her through a glowing screen. It felt like a soft, holy moment — as if heaven itself leaned close to listen. I’m grateful to have shared in that circle of love as I was visiting Steve and Linda that day, a final birthday song carried on the breath of family.
May God cradle you gently in the days ahead. May the echoes of her laughter, the warmth of her wisdom, and the quiet strength she planted in you rise up like light on a new morning. And may you feel her presence not as an absence, but as a blessing that now surrounds you from beyond the veil.
With love and prayer,
Joe
Thoughts and prayers for the entire Niemann family. Mrs. Niemann was always kind, friendly, and a lovely lady. May she rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers for the entire Niemann family. Mrs. Niemann was a kind and lovely lady. May she rest in peace.
Dear Niemann Family, Our condolences on the loss of your dearest Mother, Grandmother & Great grandmother of many. Her life touched so many lives in Quincy, her faith was unwavering & dedication to family, friends & God was endless. May she enjoy her peaceful eternal rest as she reunites with Rich, Connie Ann & all other family gone before her. We will never forget her many kindnesses & how our folks sure enjoyed many a tennis game with Connie & Rich. Bless you all. ♡ Tom & Lisa Scholz and Anthony Musolino
One of the loveliest ladies of Quincy. I was blessed to have been part of her extended family – enriched by her life in so many ways.
She has walked with God throughout her earthly life and is now able to guide us from her perch in Heaven.
Love and prayers to all of my Niemann family members.
A great lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
My sympathy and prayers for theNiemann family. Memories of long ago baseball games with Rich and my dad, being there for daughter Connie’s funeral in Arizona and many other events. Such a kind,classy women. May you join Rich and Connie in heaven. Judy Norris Argabright.
So sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with your family
Our Deepest Sympathies to the Niemann Families.Our hearts are with you all at this sad time. May God wrap his arms around you in Love.Your Beautiful Mother,Grandmother,Great-Grandmother is a reflection of all her precious memories and love in all of you. God Bless you. Rick and Brenda Guse
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was a wonderful woman.
Deepest condolences to the entire Niemann family. Mrs. Niemann was a lovely, kind woman. May Her Memory Be Eternal.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Niemann family. Connie was an incredibly kind woman.
Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Mom. Growing up I remember how beautiful your Mom was but mostly how friendly, kind and engaged she was. My prayers are with all the Niemann family.
May her memories be a blessing.
They are for me.
Words cannot express how dear Connie was to me, my favorite cousin. She was my mom’s flower girl in her wedding. She was my flower girl in my wedding and Amy was my flower girl in my wedding. She was truly one of a kind. No one can compare to Connie. My condolences go to all the Neimann families. God be with you all.