Jeffrey Niese Obituary

Jeffrey Alan Niese

Aug 4, 1963 - Sep 1, 2024

Put-In-Bay

Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Niese, 61, of Put-in-Bay, peacefully passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, at his home.

He was born Aug. 4, 1963, in Ottawa, Ohio, the fifth of seven children born to Eugene "Tipper" Niese and Carol Ann (Hoersten) Niese.

Jeff's family moved to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay in 1975 and started the Niese family legacy at the Island General Store. Within a few years, his dad purchased the historic Colonial Building where Jeff managed the arcade. He traveled back and forth between the island and Sandusky to attend St. Mary Central Catholic High School.

After the devastating fire that destroyed the Colonial Building, his family rebuilt the entertainment venue into the Beer Barrel Saloon. Jeff had numerous positions, including running the pizza and wing window in the bar, unloading beer deliveries, lawn maintenance, servicing the laundromat, and managing the Island Beverage Center. He was proud to be part of the Niese family and their many business endeavors.

Not only did Jeff serve his family, but also served his community by being a fireman and first responder for the Put-in-Bay volunteer department for over 27 years.

Jeff married Kelly (Finneran) Niese on Oct. 9, 1999, and shared that bond for 25 years. Together, they raised a lovely daughter, Lucy.

Jeff was affectionately called Uncle Fuzzy and Fro because of his curly hair and silly sense of humor. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, and cutting grass. But most of all, Jeff admired, respected, and appreciated his friends.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kelly Niese; daughter, Lucille "Lucy" Niese; siblings, Tim Niese Sr., Mike (Beth) Niese, and Tammy (Larry) Niese-Knaser; brothers-in-law, Greg Hughes and Patrick (Lena) Finneran; mother-in-law, Maureen Finneran; sister-in-law, Mary (Steve) Lessick; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tip and Carol Niese; siblings, Tippy, Kathy, and Pam (Hughes); father-in-law, Gerald Finneran; sister-in-law, Bonnie Niese; brother-in-law, Michael Finneran; and other loved ones.

A celebration of Jeff's life will take place during ice fishing season for all his family and friends. Notifications will be made at a later date and posted on social media.

Memorial contributions can be made to Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 68, Put-in-Bay, Ohio, 43456, or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Port Clinton, is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com.