Leo John Nieland

Dr. Leo J. Nieland passed in peace Sunday, June 24th, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 84. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy A. Nieland. Leo is survived by current wife Jane L. Nieland, sister, Marita Bruning, children Catherine, Michael, Susan, John, Robert, son-in-law Kenneth Sacks, and grandchildren Frances, Dorothea, Jack and Lincoln. Leo was widely regarded as a wonderful husband, father and doctor. Throughout his professional life he ushered thousands of babies into this world. He loved living in Colorado, playing golf, and spending time with his family. Born in the small town of Breda, Iowa, Leo came from humble beginnings. His parents, Leo B. Nieland and Florence Mueggenberg Nieland were second generation German immigrants. Early in life, Leo developed a strong work ethic by working the family farm with his brothers, Norman and Melvin, and his sister, Marita. At the age of 17, he graduated from high school, and moved to Omaha NE to begin his undergraduate studies at Creighton University. He was awarded his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1958. He excelled as an athlete, playing baseball and basketball throughout his high school years. In college, Leo was scouted professionally for his ability as a baseball player. In the years to come he developed an exceptional golf swing, and was once, fortunately, partnered in a Pro Am tournament with Arnold Palmer where he sunk a beautiful 30 foot putt in front of hundreds. While in Omaha, Leo met his first wife, Dorothy Kelly, who was a librarian and student at St. Mary’s College. The two dated until Leo graduated, and were married at St. Bernard’s Parish in Breda, Iowa, on August 30, 1958. Soon afterward, the two began their family, and over the next 30 years devoted themselves to raising their five children. Often at the dinner table his children listened to his anecdotal yarns of life on the farm, from calving, to chasing chickens, to his underage shenanigans behind the wheel of his dad’s Model-T Ford. Leo loved the great outdoors, climbing several of Colorado’s 14,000 ft. peaks with his children. His first four-wheel drive vehicle, “Big Red” , took the family on many a white-knuckled off-road adventure. The children warmly recall following Leo over many a mountain pass, on countless hikes, on camping and fishing trips and ski weekends in Winter Park. Leo’s work over 40 years, with Drs. Stewart, David Blanchett, John Bell, and Donna Okuda, provided comfort and expert care to the thousands of patients and infants they assisted throughout their careers. Leo’s calm attitude, skill, and knowledge, and kind bedside manner are frequently cited by patients as the reason that many spent their entire lives under his care. In 1999, after the passing of his beloved wife, Dorothy, Leo was fortunate to find love again with his current wife, Jane. They enjoyed the ensuing years spending time between Denver and Carmel, CA. His was a beautiful life. Leo will be remembered warmly, and missed dearly by family and friends. Rest In Peace. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 2nd, 1:00pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2626 East Seventh Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado 80206 Private Committal at Fairmount Cemetery. Reception following the service at the Denver Country Club, 1700 E. First Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80218, from 3 - 5pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please share condolences at HoranCares.com.