Jeanette Marie (LeGassick) Nieman

Jeanette Marie (LeGassick) Nieman, 73, of Manchester, Iowa, ended her journey Monday, May 27, 2024, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa.

In true Iowa form, Jeanette was born during a blizzard on February 2, 1951, to Donald and Verla Belle LeGassick at Delaware County Memorial Hospital. After living for a short time with Jeanette’s paternal grandparents near Earlville, her family established their own dairy and crop farm east of Manchester in 1954. She graduated from Maquoketa Valley High School in 1969.

Jeanette continued her education at the University of Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1974. In the same year, Jeanette married R. Bruce Nieman at the United Methodist Church in Manchester, on June 22. She commenced her nursing career in the urology department at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. In 1977, they began their journey in parenthood with the birth of their first daughter.

She continued her service as a nurse at the Regional Medical Center (formerly Delaware County Memorial Hospital) when she and Bruce moved home to Manchester in 1979. The following year, they were surprised by the birth of twin daughters. In 1984, her youngest daughter was born, and Jeanette decided to leave the medical field to focus on serving as the amazing mother that she was.

After the children were all in school, she turned her passion for digital technology and handicrafts into a second career when she joined the team at Michael’s Clothing. Her entrepreneurial spirit later led her to launching a business venture as the sole proprietor of The Embroidery Place. She operated the business in the heart of Manchester until she retired in 2020.

Jeanette treasured spending time with her family including her furry family members. She enjoyed music, travel, food, volunteering in her community, was an avid follower of Chicago Cubs baseball, Iowa athletics (especially the University of Iowa), and being her daughters biggest support for their many adventures in life. While much of her cooking had mixed reviews from her kids, Jeanette’s baking including chocolate cupcakes, banana bread, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and cinnamon rolls were family favorites and are already missed by all. Jeanette was a living example of motherhood, strength, resilience, compassion, independence, and fortitude. 

Jeanette is survived by her husband, Bruce Nieman of Manchester; daughters, Jamie Nieman (Josh Wells); Kelly Nieman; Kristin Nieman (Ryan Warren); and Megan Nieman (Ryan From); much-loved grandchildren, Mia Wells, Riley Wells, Blaik Warren, Emma Nieman, and Isla Nieman; brother, John LeGassick (Connie Frost); sister, Janelle Plotz (JR); sister-in-law, Carla Nieman; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Jeanette’s name at UnityPoint Hospice - Taylor House (Des Moines, Iowa).

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