Jeffrey A. Niese

Jeffrey Alan Niese, 61, of Put-in-Bay, Ohio peacefully passed away in his home on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Born the fifth of seven children to Eugene “Tipper” Niese and Carol Ann (Hoersten) Niese on August 4, 1963 in Ottawa, Ohio.

Jeff’s family moved to South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay in 1975 and started the Niese family legacy at the Island General Store. Within a few years, his dad purchased the historic Colonial Building where Jeff managed the arcade. He traveled back and forth between the island and Sandusky to attend St. Mary’s Central Catholic High School.

After the devastating fire that destroyed the Colonial Building, his family rebuilt the entertainment venue into the Beer Barrel Saloon. Jeff held numerous positions, including running the pizza and wing window in the bar, unloading beer deliveries, lawn maintenance, servicing the laundromat, and managing the Island Beverage Center. He was proud to be part of the Niese family and their many business endeavors.

Not only did Jeff serve his family, but also served his community by being a Fireman and First Responder for the Put-in-Bay volunteer department for over 27 years.

On October 9, 1999 Jeff married Kelly (Finneran) Niese and shared that bond for 25 years. Together they raised a lovely daughter, Lucy.

Jeff was affectionately called Uncle Fuzzy and Fro because of his curly hair and silly sense of humor. He loved gardening, hunting, fishing, and cutting grass. But most of all, Jeff admired, respected and appreciated his friends.

Jeff is survived by his wife Kelly Niese; daughter Lucille “Lucy” Niese; siblings Tim Niese Sr.; Mike (Beth) Niese; Tammy (Larry) Niese-Knaser; brother-in-laws Greg Hughes and Patrick (Lena) Finneran; mother-in-law Maureen Finneran, sister-in-law Mary (Steve) Lessick; and many nephews, nieces and great nephews and great nieces.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents Tip and Carol Niese; siblings Tippy, Kathy and Pam (Hughes); father-in-law Gerald Finneran; sister-in-law: Bonnie Niese, brother-in-law Michael Finneran; and other loved ones.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held during ice fishing season for all his family and friends. Notifications will be made at a later date and posted on social media.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 68, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com . Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Port Clinton is handling the arrangements.