Joseph Nies

Joseph D. Nies, 91, of Cheyenne, died September 15 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne.

Born September 15, 1933 in Cumberland, Maryland, Joe was the son of Joseph Peter and Leota Robinette Nies. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, son, co-worker and boss. He was a perfectionist in every task and was happiest helping people.

Raised a Catholic, Joe’s faith was his life’s solid foundation. He left home in the eighth grade to begin studies to become a priest. He attended St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, Pa. for high school, graduated from St. Fidelis Seminary and College with a bachelor’s degree and attended Capuchin College of Catholic University in Washington, D.C before deciding the priesthood was not his life’s path. Interested in the Peace Corps or working for a welfare board, he accepted the first offer he received from the Park County Welfare Board in Cody.

Joe lived most of his life in Wyoming. After arriving in Cody in 1961, he married Estella Newlon and they had two sons.

Later, in 1989, Joe married Virginia, the love of his life and partner for the last 35 years. She kept her vows of “in sickness and in health” during the good times and during the last few challenging years.

Joe accepted the financial programs administrator job for the state Department of Family Services and moved to Cheyenne in 1976. He was the department’s assistant director when he retired in 1995. 

After Joe “retired,” he worked part time for the Aging Division as the state’s ombudsman for patients’ rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities; he especially loved this role.

Joe treasured working for Wyoming families and set a “high bar” when it came to his work ethic. He was generous with his time, cared for the vulnerable and was always thinking of others first. Joe’s service was often recognized by his employers. One of the awards he received noted: “In the field of Human Services, we believe you stand far above the rest.”

A devoted Cathedral of St. Mary parishioner, Joe loved singing in the choir and cherished a deep devotion to our Lord and to our Blessed Virgin Mary, who helped him get through many trials and personal struggles as he wore out several rosary cases.

Joe was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, and volunteered with Boy Scouts.

Joe is survived by his wife, Virginia; sons Joseph Anthony Nies from Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Michael Paul Nies from Brighton, Colorado; granddaughter Breanna McAlexander and her children, Estella and Oliver; granddaughter, Jennifer, and her daughter, Peyton Grace Youells; sister, Colleen Nies Garrett, of Woodsboro, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Vivian Nies McGreevy of Baltimore, Maryland, and Barbara Nies of Cumberland, Maryland; and one brother, Paul Edwin Nies of Melbourne, Florida. 

Joe’s family sees him in heaven not only on his merits of a good and decent life, but on his faith in Christ alone as his savior, friend and Lord. 

Visitation and a rosary service will be held Monday, September 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home (2222 Russell Avenue in Cheyenne). A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, September 24 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary (2107 Capitol Ave in Cheyenne).

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cathedral of St. Mary or a favorite charity.