He was born on July 12, 1913 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a 1934 graduate of State High School and Western State Teacher’s College in Kalamazoo (now Western Michigan University). He received his Master’s Degree in History at Columbia University in New York and pursued further studies at the University of Michigan. Nieboer was a lifelong educator and inspiration to his students. He began his career at Western State Teacher’s College and Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He taught at Lake Michigan Junior College and retired after 31 years as a teacher and Social Studies department head at Niles High School.

 

While living and teaching in Niles, he was very active in local government as well as serving on many community agency boards from which he received many awards. He instituted Student Government Day and was honored by receiving the Niles City of Four Flags pin.

 

He moved to Kalamazoo in 1978 and was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church.

 

His joy and love of music was evident in his home and elsewhere. He lent his tenor voice to many university, church and community choirs.

 

He served his country during WWII as a Captain in the 191^st Tank Battalion in the North African and Italian campaigns.

 

Nieboer was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and two sisters.

 

On Nov. 7, 1941, he was united in marriage to Irene Finch, who survives. Other survivors include a son, David W. Nieboer of Tennessee, a daughter, Jayne Nieboer of Mattawan, 4 grandchildren, one great-grandson; a sister and many nieces, nephews and cousins.