DuWayne T. Ninmer, of Steinthal Valley (rural Kiel) passed away peacefully Friday morning July 29, 2022 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 81 years old.  DuWayne was born on March 26, 1941, in Sheboygan, the son of the late Clarence and Arlene (Maurer) Ninmer.  He was a life-long resident of Schleswig township and attended both Hillside Grove School and Kiel High graduating in the class of '59.

On August 1, 1964, DuWayne was united in marriage on a hot summer day to the former Marcia Goebel (also of Kiel) at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  DuWayne and Marcy settled on Lakewood Farm which he had purchased in 1963 located in the heart of Steinthal Valley where they have stayed for the past 58 years raising their 3 children and welcoming 7 grandchildren. During those early years, DuWayne worked various jobs including positions at Henning's Cheese, Lake to Lake, Seifert Mfg, H.G. Weber and driving school bus and bulk truck.  Additionally, he tended the fields and raised beef cattle on his farm after putting in a full day at work.  In 1982 he realized his dream of becoming a full-time dairy farmer when he purchased the first herd of Holstein dairy cows. He continued dairy farming for approximately 20 years, after which he again kept a small herd of beefers that he cared for until his full retirement in 2015.

DuWayne was proud to be the 5 th generation of Ninmers that farmed the land in Town Schleswig. He enjoyed collecting antiques, cars and tractors and he would make his daily drive to town for lunch in his 1977 Pontiac TransAm.  Additionally, he loved anything Marcy cooked and fresh Henning's cheese curds.  After retirement he enjoyed gardening, hosting family holidays/events and sharing his farm stories with his grandchildren. DuWayne was a member of Bethlehem UCC.

Dad, you will be remembered most for your love of family, your kind and humble nature and especially the work ethic you have instilled in each one of us.  We celebrate your heavenly reunion with your parents, grandparents and your closest friends and cousins Glen, Rodney and Roger.  Until we meet again…Mach's Gut!

DuWayne will be deeply missed by his immediate family which include his wife; Marcia, children; Traci (Tom) Rabe of Kiel, Kelly (Jim) Ryba of Mequon, Mike (Sarah) Ninmer of New Holstein, grandchildren; Trevor (Tess) Rabe, Tasha and Trenton Rabe, Ryen and Rene' Ryba, Jennifer and Ty Ninmer and his sister, Lana (Robert) Prigge of Cleveland.  He is further survived by his aunt; Janelle Wagner, uncle; Merlin (Doris Mae) Ninmer along with dear friend; Lillie Rabe and Nieces; Sharon (Kevin) Reinemann, Shelby (Todd) Hermann, Sheila (Bart) Krepsky and Sarah (Kurt) Hemmingsen. He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws; Jerome and Evelyn Goebel and a grandchild; Riley DuWayne Ryba.

Funeral services have been planned for Sunday August 7, 2022 at Bethlehem UCC (11608 Lax Chapel Rd) Kiel.  Visitation will be held starting at 3:00pm with the funeral beginning at 5:00pm.  Cremation has taken place and a private burial will follow at a later date in the church cemetery.

DuWayne's family would like to thank Dr. Ranveer Nand, MD and Cancer Care Nurse Navigator Elaine Anderson and the entire staff of the VanDyke Cancer Center at Columbia St. Mary's, Mequon for all their loving care the past 2 years. They also thank Dr. Benjamin Dellaria, MD for his care and kindness.  The family is especially grateful and commend all the staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for keeping him comfortable and providing exceptional service in his last hours.