Richard L. Niebrugge (87) of Effingham

Richard L. Niebrugge, 87, of Effingham, IL, passed away at home at 4:50 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Rich was born on October 27, 1935, in Effingham, IL, the son of George L. and L. Lucille (Underwood) Niebrugge. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1955. He married L. Marcella Davis on May 17, 1958, and she preceded him in death on September 2, 2005. Rich served in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of St. Anthony Church in Effingham. He was also a 4th degree member of the Effingham Knights of Columbus Council 665 and the Effingham American Legion Post 120 and 40&8. In 1956, he started reading water meters for the City of Effingham. In 1996, Rich retired as the Director of the Water Department. After retirement, he went to work part-time for Koerner Distributor, Inc. in the warehouse. He was there for 19 years. Rich was an incredible woodworker, loved playing golf, and could always be found tending to his flowers, garden, and lawn.

Rich is survived by his daughters, Nancy Huelsing of Munford, TN, and Jayne Schmidt of Effingham; three grandsons, Tyler (Chelsea) Huelsing of Munford, TN, Mitch (Catie) Huelsing of Tupelo, MS, and Jordan (Jenny) Schmidt of Arlington, TN; and eight great-grandchildren.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife; parents; two sons-in-law, John Huelsing and Ron Schmidt; siblings, George Niebrugge, Louis Niebrugge, Pete Niebrugge, Florence Golonka, and Lucille Braun.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Eric Bloemer, Kirby Pharmacy, and Theresa Funneman for all your care and concern for our dad and grandpa.