Maryann Nienaber, 84, of Lindsay, Nebraska, died Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Meridian Gardens in Columbus, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 27, 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Lindsay with Father Eric Olsen celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in the Holy Family Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the church with a vigil service at 6:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 - 10:00 A.M. at the church. Mask are required at the visitation and the Mass. The funeral Mass will be broadcast live on the Gass Haney Facebook page.

Maryann was born October 3, 1936, in Platte County Nebraska, to Ben and Madeline (Jansen) Ramaekers, Maryann was a devoted daughter and loving sister to her brothers, Fred, Bob and Al. Her devotion to family continued when she met and married Jerry Nienaber. They were united in marriage on February 15, 1958, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay. Together they raised four children, Rene, Cindy, Carl and Marie. Maryann was blessed to have many friends from David City, Geneva, Dodge, and her home in Lindsay.

Her family and friends remember her sheer determination and strength in the face of living with MS from early on in life. Never one to complain, Maryann was a model for accepting what life gives you and making the best of it. Wherever she lived, Maryann brought her love for the game of bridge and her willingness to teach others. She brought her sewing, knitting, and crochet skills to the 4-H organization and the Lindsay Holy Family Guild, as well as to her children. An avid reader, Maryann also subscribed to as many newspapers as she could, keeping apprised of current events throughout her life. She was a master "puzzle solver," and a woman unmatched in her thoughtfulness at remembering birthdays, anniversaries or other special events with her own self-made cards. When her loving husband, Jerry, passed away in 2013, Maryann bought a battery for her previously unused scooter and continued to live on her own, driving uptown to get groceries, play bridge, or do her banking. Friends were always there to open the doors for her or bring the heavy groceries home. Maryann defied the odds and did it gracefully, celebrating her faith and beautiful family, and showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love.

Survivors include her children, Rene (Andy) Jenkins of Centennial, CO, Carl (Suzy) Nienaber of Columbus, Marie (Dave) Farber of Fishers, IN; brothers Fred (Eunice) Ramaekers of Fremont, Bob (Donna) Ramaekers of Lynwood, WA, Al (Annette) Ramaekers of Boise, ID; and nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, and her daughter, Cindy (Larry) Curran of Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at nationalmssociety.org in Maryann's honor.