Howard H. McNiff

Howard Hugh McNiff was born on the family farm near Riverton, Nebraska on September 21, 1939 to Thomas and Eva (Bach) McNiff.  He attended a one-room school house in Franklin County through the third grade and graduated from Franklin High School in 1957.  Howard continued his education at UNL and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology.  While he was at UNL, Howard was the commander of the Rifle Team from 1959-1961 and led the Nebraska Rifle Team to a National Championship in 1961. 

He was united in marriage to Bridget (Gross) McNiff in 1965.  Howard served his country in the U.S. Army from his enlistment March 4, 1966 until his honorable discharge May 3, 1968.  He was proud of his service in Vietnam as an officer in the 299th Combat Engineer Unit.  He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Commendation Medals. He continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1978 and achieved the rank of Major. Howard was a member of the Cook American Legion and Tecumseh VFW Posts.  He was instrumental in getting Cook named "The Best Small Town In America."  

Howard worked for the Department of Roads after college as a geologist.  He went back to school and attained his engineering degree in 1973.  He then began working for the Soil Conservation Service.  He also worked for the Five Rivers RC & D. 

His hobbies included woodworking, community service, gardening, hunting and fishing.  Of all his life accomplishments, Howard was most proud of his wife Bridget and sons Sean, Matthew and Mark.

Howard passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at his home in Cook, Nebraska at the age of 84 years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Eva, son Patrick and brother Richard.  

He is survived his loving wife Bridget, sons Sean McNiff and wife Wendy and children Seamus and Evan, Matthew McNiff and wife Brenda and sons Jackson and Benjamin, Mark McNiff and wife Jamee, brother Mike McNiff and wife Sandy and sister-in-law, Beverly McNiff.   

A Private Family Mass was held.     

A public Memorial Mass was held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska.   A time of celebration of Howard's life was held immediately following in the parish hall.  A link to both livestreams are now available at the bottom of Howard's webpage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Howard's honor may be directed to the St. Andrew Catholic School in Tecumseh, Matt Talbott Kitchen or The People's City Mission in Lincoln.  

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

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