Wyatt J. Niemann

Cherished family member and friend Wyatt Joseph Niemann passed away Friday, November 6, 2020, at 17. He left this world surrounded by his family at the Sanford Children's Hospital. Wyatt was the beloved son of Garrett and Jody Niemann Priest and the late Tracy Niemann of Watertown.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral chapel in Watertown, SD, with Pastor Jesse Hurkes officiating. The family has requested that attendees dress in casual attire with t-shirts that remind you of Wyatt, such as: animals, football, superheroes, Star Wars, Arrows, Scouts, etc.

Following the Celebration of Life, there will be a time of reminiscing and a dessert bar in the fellowship hall at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel.

Wyatt was welcomed into this world on June 11, 2003, to Tracy and Jody (Ellis) Niemann. Watertown was Wyatt's home his entire life; he was a student at Mellette Elementary School, Watertown Middle School, and a junior at Watertown High School upon his passing. Wyatt's father passed away on January 22, 2009. Excited to become a family, Wyatt said to his mom, "We are marrying Garrett, YEA!" upon Jody and Garrett's engagement. They officially became a family with their marriage on September 15, 2012.

Active in his community, Wyatt was a member of many organizations. He was involved in the Cornerstone United Methodist Church youth group until he was physically unable to attend. From first through ninth grade, Wyatt was a member of the Watertown Destination Imagination team. His time in DI culminated with his participation in the Global Tournament in Tennessee. Watertown Area Special Olympics held a significant place in his heart where he competed in aquatics, equestrian, and bowling, receiving multiple gold medals and first place ribbons.

Wyatt participated in many school activities; he was a member of WMS and WHS marching, pep, and concert bands, where he played the tambourine. He also was a member of the chorus throughout middle school and part of high school. His classmates and teachers always found special ways to include Wyatt in everything, including playing the role police officer in the Middle School musical "Annie." His favorite classes in high school were band and any class that Garrett was teaching.

Wyatt had a huge passion for all animals and was an annual member of the Bramble Park Zoo. He spent many hours visiting and taking classes at the zoo. Spending time at Joy Ranch brought Wyatt much enjoyment; he attended camps and received his equestrian program certification. Wyatt especially loved his cat, Tazzy, and the family dogs Lilly and Tally. In fact, he loved every animal he encountered.

On July 22, 2019, Wyatt received the Young Hero's Award from the SD National Guard. He celebrated this honor with his many family members who are veterans or current members of the military. Wyatt was an ambassador for Juvenile Huntington's Disease and The Shepherd's Gift: GM1 for H.D. He was an ambassador for Make-A-Wish following his Make-A-Wish trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. He was an active Eagle Scout in BSA Troop #8. Wyatt's involvement in scouts included special high adventure activities, such as rock climbing, where his fellow scouts assisted him. His Eagle Scout project to help the Beacon Center was loved by and involved the whole community.

Wyatt especially enjoyed spending time with family at Lake Madison, boating as "Captain Wyatt" and jumping off the dock's end with his brothers and cousins. He loved adventure, especially roller coasters. His motto was, "Hands in the air like you just don't care." Wyatt loved traveling, eating out, and cheering for the Watertown Arrows and the Cincinnati Bengals. He even got the chance to make a special friend with Andy Dalton (Quarterback of the Bengals), who spent part of an afternoon giving him a stadium tour and introducing him to the team and coaches.

Wyatt touched countless people with his cheerful personality, contagious smile, and endless perseverance. Wyatt set an example of how to love others, animals, and life. He showed us what courage looks like while battling his illness. He brought out the best in all of us. Wyatt is our hero, and his absence will be felt by many.

Wyatt is survived by his parents, Garrett and Jody Niemann Priest of Watertown, SD; two brothers, Brett and Ethan Priest, both of Watertown, SD; his maternal grandparents, Roger and Roxie Ellis of Hudson, FL; his paternal grandparents, Merle and Deanna Niemann of Estelline, SD; and his paternal grandparent, John E. Priest of Watertown, SD and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tracy Niemann, his paternal grandmother JoAnn Niemann, his paternal grandmother, Connie Priest, and his uncle, Steven Priest.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family is requesting memorials be directed to BSA Troop 8, 202 2nd St SE Watertown, SD 57201, or the Watertown Arrow Education Foundation P.O. Box 730, Watertown, SD 57201, where a scholarship will be established in his name. You may also choose to donate online at wyattjniemann.com or through Venmo at wjniemann.


Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant www.crawfordosthus.com

Service Details.

Service

When: May 22, 2021 11:00am
Location: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: Crawford - Osthus Funeral Chapel

Reception

Location: Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel
Address: 1311 4th St NE WATERTOWN, SD 57201-1206

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