John Kenneth Nieman

     John Kenneth Nieman, age 75, of Bannister, MI, passed away Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 19, 2022, with Mr. Thomas Bradley officiating.  Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Elba Township, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

     John was born in Saginaw, Michigan on January 19, 1947, the son of Russell and Mildred Cecelia (Warner) Nieman.  He married Penny Harnick on January 29, 1972 at the Bannister United Methodist Church.

     John loved racing cars at Mid-Michigan Motorplex from 1965 until now.  He made many lifelong friends while racing and was well known in the racing community.  He also enjoyed racing snowmobiles where he was known as the "Bannister Badass".  He could be found tinkering in his garage and building motors.  John was passing the racing torch to his son and grandsons and loved working alongside them in his garage.  He liked taking trips to the casino with his sister and brother-in-law and garage sales with his good friend Larry Stoneman.  He looked forward to weekly trips with daughter Kristy and daughter-in-law Lurie to Nixon's in Brant.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

     He is survived by his wife Penny Nieman, daughter Kristy and Josh Brooks, and son Travis and Lurie Nieman, grandchildren: McKayla Muscott, Dylan Brooks, John Nieman, Caven Brooks, Robert Nieman, Devon Brooks, great-granddaughter Oktober, and one sister Mary and Ron Grubaugh of Bannister, MI.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Wade Michael Nieman, granddaughter Jazmine, and three brothers: Paul Nieman, Carl Nieman, and Gerald "Jerry" Nieman.

    Memorials may be made to the funeral home to help cover final expenses. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.