John Steven Niebruegge died at home September 5,2023, after a long battle with depression. John was born on June 21,1947, to Chester and Delma Niebruegge in Owensville, Missouri. He attended Owensville schools and graduated in 1965. He graduated from the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. He said that he had a “blond scholarship,” his wife Patti Ann, whom he married in 1971. During the eleven years they were married, they had daughters Maria Ann and JoAnn Annette. John lost Patti November 1, 1982, after her long battle with cancer.
John and Bonnie Merryman united their families March 3, 1984. Maria and JoAnn joined Andrew (Andy) and Jason Merryman as siblings.
He is Survived by his wife Bonnie, daughters JoAnn (Dustin) Cornman and Maria (Gary) Long, step-son Jason (Nicole) Merryman, and Andy’s wife, daughter-in-law Kelly Merryman. He also leaves grandchildren Ainsley, Avalyn, Lauren, Caleb, Chase, Brianna, Jase and great-granddaughter Camilla. He leaves his beloved baby sister Jane Leimkuehler and niece and nephew, Julie and Justin Berger. He grew up feeling like his cousins were siblings: Mary, Anita, Steve, Dale, Marsha, Diane, Jim, David, Jan, Don, George, and TeriDee. He also leaves brother-in-law William Barkley and his children John, Rose, and Stuart.
Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023 with funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Plain View Cemetery in Sullivan County, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers for those who wish to leave a memorial, the family suggests a donation to the Adair County Humane Society to honor John’s lifelong dedication to and love of animals.
Arrangements in the care if Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.