Kurtis M. Niehues, 22, of Centralia, died Sunday morning, February 9, 2020, in a single car accident north of Corning on US Highway 63.

Kurtis was born on October 16, 1997.  He was brought home by his parents, Frank and Janell Niehues on October 17, 1997. He grew up in the Kelly community, attended school in Seneca and graduated from Nemaha Central High School in 2016. During his high school career, he was active in sports; and was selected for the 2016 State All Star Baseball Team.  Kurtis excelled as a lineman in football; but his greatest memory was when he recovered a fumble and scored a defensive touchdown. At the end of the 2015 football season, Kurtis was awarded the David Lackey Most Inspirational Player Award by Coach Seitz. His proudest moment was being a member of Nemaha Central 3A Baseball State Championship Team.

Although only 22 at the time of his death, Kurtis affected many people in his lifetime, especially with his contagious smile. He had a large circle of friends; he never knew a stranger, as everyone he met became a friend. Kurtis enjoyed gatherings with his family and friends.  Those who knew Kurtis, even just a little, lost a shining light in their lives. Kurtis found a way to touch everyone’s heart.

Kurtis enjoyed farming & raising cattle; he loved the outdoors, hunting & fishing.  Kurtis and his cousin Taylor shared a special bond; they were more like brothers than cousins. They worked side by side at Niehues Trenching. At the time of his death, Kurtis owned his own rock hauling business.

Kurtis was a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly and the Knights of Columbus Council #14639.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe Gudenkauf on December 4, 1989, Rose Gudenkauf on November 9, 1993, Herbert Niehues on June 26, 2000 and Regina “Jean” Niehues on December 31, 2011.

Kurtis will be missed everyday by his parents, Frank and Janell Niehues of Corning, his sister Katie Niehues of Manhattan, his loving Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and many, many great friends.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at St. Bede's church in Kelly. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the St. Bede’s Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be left in Kurtis’s memory to the Kelly Heritage Fund, the Kelly Ball Association and the American Legion Baseball.  

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .