Stephen Joseph Nieman
October 26 1949—December 5, 2023
Stephen Joseph Nieman of Tucson, AZ passed away peacefully December 5, 2023 after a brave battle with lung cancer. Steve was born in Berea, OH on October 26, 1949 to the late Charles and Bernice Bennett Nieman. After living with his family for several years in Atlanta and in Neptune Beach, FL, he returned with them to Berea and graduated from Berea High School, where he played football. He spent a year at Ohio State University and then transferred to Baldwin Wallace College, where he earned a degree in Accounting.
Steve married Kathryn Louise (McDanel) Needs in Cleveland in 1980, and together they raised Thomas and Christopher Needs. Steve’s career in the airline industry prompted moves to Columbus, OH; Phoenix, AZ; and finally, Tucson, AZ where Steve spent the last 20+ years of his life. In retirement, Steve and Kathy also spent the summers in Butte, MT for several years.
Steve loved his family, books, football, and motorcycles. He read and exercised every day. And he spent many happy hours with his devoted friends, who stayed loyal to him to the end of his life.
Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathryn and his brother Charles (Chuck). He is survived by stepsons Thomas Needs and his wife Annie of Butte, MT and their children Matthew, Ian, and Maggie; and Christopher Needs and his wife Hyunju of Sacramento, CA and their children Masselin and Marlowe. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Susan Nieman Blue and Robert Blue, and their family; and Kathy’s sisters Valerie McDanel, Patricia McDanel, Constance Vasileff, and Margaret Hurrle. A private family gathering will be held to honor and celebrate Steve’s rich and rewarding life.