Jolene Niehaus

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, niece and friend, Jolene Niehaus of rural Edgewood, Iowa. She passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A Celebration of Jolene’s life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Edgewood Event Center, located at 303 N. Washington Street, in Edgewood. A private committal service will take place at a later date. Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Manchester, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jolene was born on April 9, 1957, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of John and Marilyn (Egan) Juergens. She loved her brothers, Tim and Jeff fiercely, despite throwing Tim off a bunk bed and always speaking for him. Jolene graduated from North Fayette High School in 1975, where she enjoyed playing golf. She later attended the University of Iowa, graduating in 1979. Together, Jolene with her son, Eric, eventually moved to Colesburg, Iowa, in 1990, where she met the love of her life, Jeff Niehaus. On November 30,1991, Jolene was united in marriage to Jeff, uniting their families as one with Lindsey and Courtney Niehaus. In 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Nicole “Nikki” and they moved to their current residence outside of Edgewood.

Jolene had a way of making everyone who knew her feel like family; she welcomed all “strays.” Known for her culinary skills, featuring her famous monster bars and chocolate chip cookies. Her family would always say, “If Betty Crocker and Paula Dean had a love child, that would be Jolene”. She devoted her whole life to her family and took immense pride in her role as the matriarch and co-owner of Farmers Savings Bank. Jolene could often be found cheering on her children and grandchildren at all their sporting events. They truly were her pride and joy. Jolene was an amazing seamstress, creating countless gifts and blankets for others. This world will surely feel her absence.

Jolene is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 34 years, Jeff Niehaus; children, Lindsey (Adam) Sherman of Winthrop, Iowa, Courtney “Bubba” (Rob) Reinsmoen of Solon, Iowa, and Nicole Ries (Grant) Muller of Manchester, Iowa; grandchildren, Ethan, Alli, and Avery Reinsmoen, Peyton Ries and Kenna Jolene Muller, and Owen and Aunya Ausborn; brothers, Tim (Peggy) Juergens of Elkader, Iowa and Jeff (Molly) Juergens of Manchester; nieces and nephews, Dustin (Katie) Kelly, Cavin (Jessica) Kelly, Kylee (Troy) Hoffman, Keaton (Laura) Juergens, Kinsey (Austin) Dupont, Jaclyn (Justin) Felver, Nick (Maddy) Juergens and John Juergens; uncle, Don (Meredy) Egan of Jefferson and many cousins.

She was reunited in heaven with her parents, John and Marilyn Juergens; her beloved son, Eric; and cousin, Dan Egan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation at www.rettsyndrome.org