January 11, 2011

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ferdinand J. “Ferd” Niehaus was celebrated Jan. 8 at. St. Antoninus Church in Cincinnati. Niehaus, 96, died Jan. 4.

The retired president and chairman of Niehaus Brothers in Cincinnati, Niehaus had a long history of service to the Catholic Church and numerous faith-based organizations at the local, national and international levels. Beginning in 1960, he served as chairperson of the Self-Help Committee for Catholic Relief Services, raising funds for the organization’s projects throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America. He was called upon by the-Archbishop Karl J. Alter to assume a leadership role in the archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men. He went on to serve as an officer and board member of the National Council of Catholic Men before serving as president from 1971-73. He was chosen as president of the International Catholic Men in 1975.

In addition, Niehaus served on the laity committee and as a board member of the U.S. Catholic Mission Council; a charter member of the advisory council of the Catholic Conference of Ohio; and a member of an evangelization task force for then Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He was also an officer and board member in a number of other organizations, including the National Council of Catholic Laity, and archdiocesan liturgical and poverty commissions, was a charter member of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and member of the Knights of Columbus Purcell Council. 

In 1978 Niehaus was Pope John Paul II’s first appointment to the Order of St. Gregory, one of the Catholic Church’s highest honors, in recognition for his service.

Niehaus is survived by his children, Ferd Jr., Mary Joan, Jim, John, Nancy, Fran, Therese and Greg. Interment was in St. Joseph Cemetery mausoleum.