Gerrit Herman Niemeyer

Menno, SD: Gerrit Herman Niemeyer, 78, of Menno, South Dakota, formerly Inwood, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his home in Menno. Visitation with the family present will be held Saturday, July 12, from 1:30-2:30 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Inwood. A graveside inurnment service will follow at 3:00 PM at Richland Cemetery of Inwood.

   Gerrit Herman Niemeyer, the son of Ell and Rena (Dirksen) Niemeyer, was born on a snowy day, February 2, 1947, in Hull, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm southeast of Inwood, Iowa and attended school at the West Lyon Community School District.

   At the age of 17, Gerrit enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served during the Vietnam War aboard the U.S.S. Ranger. After the war, he was welcomed home by his family in California. As the ship approached the pier filled with thousands of sailors, Gerrit spotted his father Ell raising his signature hat in the crowd—and he proudly waved in return.

   On October 23, 1968, Gerrit was united in marriage to Harrietta Zoet. They made their home on a farm near Inwood, where they farmed and milked cows while raising four children. The family later moved to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and eventually returned to northwest Iowa, where Gerrit lived in Ashton and worked on a turkey farm. In the late 1980s, he began a long and fulfilling career in trucking. The family settled on a farm north of Hull, and Gerrit continued trucking for Farmer’s Feed in Boyden, Iowa, and later Marquardt Trucking in Yankton, South Dakota. In 1993, he proudly competed in the National Truck Driving Championships where he maneuvered his rig through an obstacle course and earned top honors.

   Later in life, Gerrit moved to Yankton where he continued to enjoy long-haul trucking, forming many lasting friendships across the country. Eventually, he began his own company, B&G Pilot Car, where he provided escort services for oversized loads until his retirement. He loved the open road and especially enjoyed traveling to new places—including Alaska.

   When not trucking, Gerrit enjoyed woodworking. His handmade crafts and lawn ornaments still decorate the homes of his children and his own yard. He also enjoyed camping and fishing when he was able. His loyal dog, Peanut, was often by his side as a faithful companion. One of Gerrit’s greatest joys was talking with his children and grandchildren. He loved hearing updates and was always excited to hear when the family would be growing through marriage or the birth of a new grandchild. He was eagerly awaiting the arrival of a fourth great-granddaughter in November.

   Survivors include his four children and their spouses, Paula and Mike Steffes, of Granville, Iowa, and their children, Jarod (Madison), and Emily; Joel and Pam Niemeyer, of Zearing, Iowa, and their children, Brandyn (Jenna), Bryce (McKenna), McKenzie (fiancée, Francis), Colton, and Jadyn; Kim and Jeff Hoogendoorn, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and their son, Ethan; and Michael and Katie Niemeyer, of Clear Lake, Iowa, and their children, Haley and Andrew; three great-granddaughters, Marlow, Karsyn, and Scottie; a sister and her husband, Irene (Delbert) Antrim, of Inwood; along with several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Ell and Rena Niemeyer.