The Honorable David J. Niehaus

Judge David J. Niehaus died unexpectedly on July 31, 2008 at his home at the age of 64. He was the son of Olga (Ellingson) and Clifford Niehaus. He is survived by his wife of over 37 years, Dr. B. Gayle Niehaus, a son, Erik (Annie) Niehaus, a daughter, Heather (Matt) Kirkendall and four beautiful grandchildren; Emma and Charlie Niehaus and Ryan and Meagan Kirkendall. He also is survived by five siblings, John, Tom (Susan), Bob (Pat), and Joe Niehaus as well as a sister Carole Becker and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim and his father-in-law, Hubert Hogg.

Judge Niehaus practiced law in Fairfield, Ohio with the Walsh and Niehaus Law Firm from 1971-1981. He was also a referee in the Butler County Common Pleas Court, Domestic and Juvenile Division, during that same time frame. He took the bench as a Common Pleas Judge, Probate Division, from 1981-1986 and served as Common Pleas Court, Juvenile Division, from 1987 until the time of his death. Judge Niehaus has been the Common Pleas Court, Presiding Judge, since 1999.

Judge Niehaus was also very civic-minded and served on many boards during his career. He was a member of the Ohio Bar Association, The Ohio Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, President of the German Village Association, member of the Board of Trustees of the Children's Home, member and Board of Trustees of Catholic Social Services, member of the Board of Directors of the Family Services of Butler County, member of the Mayor's Task Force on Racism, member of the Hamilton Community Foundation, member of the Directors for Bunker Hill Haven and more.

Judge Niehaus was known for his passion for children and for his desire to strengthen the family unit, which he referred to as the "cornerstone of our society". He not only worked to accomplish this task in his professional life, but also lived his personal life in the same manner. He was the catalyst for bringing his extended family together on a regular basis at his farm, The Hogg-N-Haus Family Farm. Some of his happiest times were when he drove his grandchildren around the farm in a hay wagon.

Excerpts from condolences offered in Judge Niehaus' passing help to describe him as a man: "...his compassion and concern for our youth and families was evident everyday that he served on the bench," "...Judge Niehaus was an honorable man of integrity," "...he was genuine and kind...", " when you practiced in his court he applied the law in a consistently fair and respectful manner," ".... he was an extraordinary man who opened his heart and home to many. Butler County has lost an admirable man whose family values were insurmountable..." "...he was one of the most dedicated and caring people I've ever met. He always saw a bigger picture and treated people with the respect they deserved." " He tried to rekindle the spark of goodness in people who needed to challenge themselves." "...he was one of those people you rarely come across in life-with compassion, honesty, loyalty and love for his fellowman." "He was passionate in his work to help out families in need." "No matter what one was accused of doing, he always took the time to listen and carefully consider what people had to say." " I used to work for him-he was a great man who we should all use as a role model, both personally and professionally." "He was a selfless and humble human being who lived to serve his fellow man." Finally, from someone who had been in court, "I would like to say that many of us kids from the street knew that Judge Niehaus was a tough, but fair judge. He watched me grow up in the courtroom since I was 12. I am now 22 and live with pieces of his wisdom that he gave me -everyday. Now that I am a man I know he was trying to help me not punish me. He truly was a great and wise man."

Judge Niehaus-Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle and Friend we love you from the bottom of our hearts and want to thank you for being the perfect example of how to live one's life!

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 4, 2008 at the St. Julie Billiart Church, 224 Dayton St., Hamilton, OH 45011 with Father Mike Pucke Celebrant. A private procession and burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parachute Butler County CASA, 282 N. Fair Ave., Hamilton, OH 45011 or to the Honorable Judge David J. Niehaus Memorial Fund c/o the Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 N. Third St., Hamilton, OH 45011. The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairfield is serving the family. Also, the family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com or P.O. Box 13353, Hamilton, OH 45013.

Visitation

Private

Service

10:30 a.m., Monday, August 4, 2008 @ St. Julie Billiart Church