David Frederick Niehaus, 59, of Vincennes, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 4, 2026. He was born February 13, 1967, in Vincennes, the son of Bernie and Patty (O’Neill) Niehaus.
David lived his entire life in Vincennes, a community he loved deeply and served faithfully. His life was grounded in three things that mattered most to him: his faith, his family, and serving his community as a servant of Jesus Christ.
David graduated from Rivet High School and continued his education and swimming career at Vincennes University and then transferred to Minnesota State University, Mankato where he swam and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.
The Niehaus family business was an important part of David’s life. He began working in the family business while still in high school and officially joined Niehaus Companies in May 1989. As a fourth-generation member of the company, David served as Vice President of Niehaus Companies, working alongside his two brothers and, more recently, with two of his children and three nephews as they carry the family business into its fifth generation.
Following in his father Bernie’s footsteps, David believed strongly in giving back to the community that had given so much to him. He served as President of the Vincennes Catholic School Board and President of the Vincennes Tourism Bureau. He was a co-founder of the Mid-American Pilots Association. He also served with the Knox County Housing Authority and Christian Education Foundation and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Harmony Society, Rod & Gun Club, and the Military Museum Board of Directors. He also gave his time and energy to Rivet High School as an assistant girls soccer coach, helping lead the team to its first sectional victory.
His faith was at the heart of David’s life and guided the way he treated others. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish and Bethany Christian Church. David believed that faith was meant to be lived through service, prayer, and helping others.
David’s faith and testimony touched many people. He had the opportunity to share an inspirational testimonial with more than 300 people at the Vincennes First Church of God. His message of faith, perseverance, and the power of prayer continues to inspire those who heard him. His simple and powerful reminder, “Don’t Stop Praying”, has become part of the legacy he leaves behind.
But above all else, David was a family man.
He married Maggie FitzGerald on June 25, 1994, at the Old Cathedral in Vincennes. Together they shared 32 years of marriage and raised four children: Emily Niehaus Jones (Cody), Benjamin Niehaus (Kaitlyn Ellermann), Katie Niehaus Hancock (James), and Abby Niehaus Stephens (Matt).
Maggie was David’s rock and his steadfast partner in every season of their life together. She kept him grounded in his faith and in trusting God’s plan, and she stood beside him every step of the way throughout his cancer journey. This included a pilgrimage to Europe, where they traveled to Rome to see the Pope and visited the holy sites of Lourdes and Fátima. The pilgrimage was a meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and deepening of their faith. Their marriage was a testament to love, faith, and the strength that comes from walking through life together.
David was a proud and loving grandfather to Sammy and Sophia Jones, Milleigh Libby, and Demi Niehaus. His children and grandchildren were among his greatest joys, and he treasured watching each of them grow and find their own paths.
He is also survived by his mother Patty Niehaus, his siblings, Anne Pratt, Butch Niehaus (Tina Thomas), Catherine Lawless (Steve), and Eric Niehaus (Teresa Robinson); his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Susan FitzGerald, Thomas FitzGerald, Christopher and Yukie FitzGerald, Dan FitzGerald, Mary and Bill Miller, Katie and Rob Larrison, and Ed and Lisa FitzGerald; and 31 nieces and nephews, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.
David was preceded in death by his father, Bernie Niehaus; brother-in-law Robert Pratt; mother-in-law Theresa FitzGerald, father-in-law Tom FitzGerald, and nephew Ryan FitzGerald.
David leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments. He leaves a family he loved fiercely, a community he served faithfully, a business and family legacy he helped carry forward, and countless people who were touched by his friendship, humor, and faith.
Friends may visit with David’s family from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, October 9, 2026 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 803 Main St., Vincennes, IN 47591. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday October 10, 2026 at Old Cathedral Catholic Church, 205 Church Street, Vincennes, IN 47591 with Rev. Tony Ernst celebrating. David will be laid to rest in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
The Niehaus family has requested memorial contributions be made in David’s name to the preservation and care of the Old Cathedral Catholic Church. Online memories may be shared with the Niehaus family at www.goodwinsieversfh.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of David and his family.
He lived his life as a servant of Jesus Christ, loving his family, serving others, giving back to his community, and encouraging those around him to keep the faith and keep praying. His influence will continue through the generations of his family and the many lives he touched.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
“Don’t Stop Praying”
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