Barbara Jean Nieland

Barbara Nieland, 88, passed away on December 4, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 1, 1934, the daughter of the late J.F. and Ethel Shea. Barb married James Nieland on May 19, 1956, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ripon, Wisconsin. Together they raised four daughters. She spent her working years at Prange’s/Younkers.

Barb had the gift of giving and a wonderful sense of humor. The Irish in her made her feisty, and she had an infectious laugh. She never passed on the opportunity to make someone smile. Barb was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing cards and doing crosswords, but her main passion was for her family and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Nieland; parents, J.F. and Ethel Shea; siblings, Walter, Marion, Irene, Richard, Joan, and Frances; and their spouses.

Barb is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Brian) Kaphaem, Nancy (Jeff) Davis, Connie (Joseph) Smith, and Pattie (Doug) Stanislawski; grandchildren, Joshua (Hyojeong) Kaphaem, Callie (Joel) Hime, Ethan Smith, Rebecca Stanislawski, and Kacey Stanislawski; great-granchildren, Jabin, Jackson, and Madelyn Hime, and Sadie and Edmund Kaphaem; and sister-in-law Beverly Harke.

A mass will be held for Barbara on Tuesday, December 13, at 11 AM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 222 E. Fremont St, Appleton. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 AM to 11 AM.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Renaissance Assisted Living and the 5th floor staff at Theda Clark for their care of Barb.