Bernard Albert “Sonny” Niehues III, 75, of Corning, Kansas, passed away on February 13, 2026, at Onaga Community Hospital in Onaga.

 

Bernard was born on January 17, 1951, in Seneca, Kansas, to Bernard Albert and Alfreda Theresa (Kramer) Niehues Jr. of Corning. He was the tenth of twelve children and grew up in a large, close-knit family where hard work and responsibility shaped daily life. He attended Corning Grade School and graduated from Centralia High School in 1969.

 

On February 20, 1971, he married Helen Pearson at Stz. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They began their life together in Topeka before returning home in 1975 to purchase the family farm near Corning. There, they raised their three children and built a life rooted in family, faith, and the land.

 

Bernard worked at Goodyear in Topeka for 39 years before retiring in 2008. Yet his life’s steady rhythm was always tied to the farm. For more than fifty years, he cared for the same ground, rising early, tending the fields, and remaining faithful to the work he loved until the very end.

 

Throughout his life, Bernard was known as a man who showed more than he spoke. He led by example. He worked steadily, cared deeply, and carried himself with quiet strength. He believed in doing what was right, loving your family well, and showing up when it mattered most.

 

His family was his greatest pride. Nothing meant more to him than his children and grandchildren. He was steady, present, and proud of each of them. The lessons he passed on were simple and lasting: work hard, forgive quickly, stand tall, and take care of the people entrusted to you.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James “Jimmy” Niehues, Gerald “Jerry” Niehues, and Eugene “Gene” Niehues; his sisters, Velma Morris, Linda Annan, and Mary Ann Petrie; and his son-in-law, Craig Durland.

 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Helen Niehues; his children, Kim Durland, Kristi Franklin, and Bernard “Ben” (Hannah) Niehues IV; his grandchildren, Caleb (Ashly) Durland, Kendall (Brycen Hartley) Durland, Cole Durland, Kiara Niehues, Kieryn Franklin, Kya Franklin, Kaden Franklin, Khloe Franklin, Kobe Franklin, Bernard Niehues V, Chancelor Niehues, and Theodore Niehues; his siblings, Lester (Betty) Niehues, Gladys (David) Rusche, Donna (John) Roach, Virginia Broadbent, and Joseph (Judy) Niehues; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

 

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Corning. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 P.M. and 7 P.M. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

 

Memorial contributions may be given in Bernard’s memory to the Red Rustlers 4-H Club to support meals served during the Ava Louise Steinlage Memorial Blood Drive in Corning, or to Coins for a Cause, which assists cancer patients and their families in Seneca and the surrounding communities. Memorials may be sent in care of the family.