Aaron Nieman

When reflecting on the life of Aaron Nieman, it is easy to see that he was a young man who was so full of life with his every breath. Although he had what would have seemed to be decades in which to complete his life’s journey, he was taken from those he loved much too soon. From the moment he could walk Aaron had the world by the tail and although he could be shy at first, it wasn’t long before he was warmed up and took command of the room. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of so many others will be enriched in a positive way because they were touched by such a remarkable young man.

As the eighties were coming to an end, America was preparing to say goodbye to a vibrant decade that forever shaped the cultural fabric of our nation. The way we watched television changed with the introduction of talk shows during this time and with shows like Growing Pains, Charles in Charge, and The Cosby Show, the American family was transformed. Games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders entertained the nation’s youth while bands like U2 and Queen dominated the air waves. As the year 1989 dawned, a couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, was focused on the arrival of their new baby. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Aaron was born on May 27th of that year. He was one of three children in his family and brought great joy to his parents, George and Mary Nieman. Five years separated Aaron from his sister Elena and in many ways, they had a typical relationship. They could get under each other’s skin, but they could also be the best of friends. In fact it was his sister that introduced Aaron to some of the things he loved most. She took him to many concerts through the years and was instrumental in developing his love of music. He grew to appreciate a diverse palette of music including techno music on video games, Ray Charles, emo music, and a wide array of classic rock.

From a young age Aaron was an extraordinary boy who was deeply loved. Although he was always a bundle of energy, he was also so very smart with an inquisitive mind that was always searching for answers. Like many other young boys his age Aaron was into the Power Rangers and even went to see them live at Wings Stadium. He liked action movies, especially ones with Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, and he was also into video games from the time he was little. Some of his favorite games were Dance Dance Revolution and Final Fantasy.

For his education Aaron attended Mattawan schools. He was never a morning person and even though he always woke up at the last minute, he looked picture perfect by the time he left for school. In middle school Aaron could often be found walking the halls wearing his signature dragon shirt, and while in high school, he did quite a bit of technical work with school plays and productions including working on the sets and stage. He was also a member of the chess club and had a great group of friends who played video games and dressed up as ninjas.

As his friends and family can attest, Aaron was known for his independent and free spirit. After he graduated from high school he satiated his desire for freedom by getting an apartment with his best friend, Brandon. In order to support himself Aaron worked in the restaurant industry including at the McDonald’s on West Main and most recently at the Noodles & Company on West Main. Through the way he lived his life Aaron taught us that whatever it is, we can find the strength to do it on our own. He was rarely one to ask for help from anyone as his sheer determination was his driving force.

There were so many things that made Aaron such a unique young man who was so deeply loved. He was always easy to get along with and as a result, he quickly made friends. Although he could be shy at times, Aaron also had a way with words and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Throughout his life he had a special place in his heart for his family, and he had a very loving and supportive extended family. Life was not always easy for Aaron, but he always had a positive and happy attitude that laced every move he made.

Although we are trying to figure out how to live life each day without him here, we pause to reflect on how Aaron Nieman touched us in his own unique way. He took charge of his life and was quick and agile in his thoughts, words, and actions. Aaron was a loyal friend and was both loving and devoted to his family as well. The memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many. Aaron will be deeply missed.

Aaron Nieman died on Saturday, October 22, 2011. Aaron’s family includes his parents, George and Elena “Mary” Nieman; sisters, Melony Burton and Elena Marie Nieman(fiancée Darren Kalkwarf); maternal grandmother, Elodia Gonzales; aunts and uncles, Ellen (Doug) Eagley, Esther (Lupe) Posada, Maria “Lucy” (Carlos) Alfaro, Sulema (Xavier) Ramirez, Aurora (Alan) Wallace, Maria Aida Serratos, and Cris Gonzales; cousins, Mauricio and Oscar Posada, Santos and Teresa Alfaro, Raquel and Matthew Ramirez, Cory, Taylor, Jesi and Karly Wallace, Sierra and Whitney Henley, Laurie, Michelle, and Brian Blair; nieces and nephews, Michaela, Christopher and Ava Burton; and many friends. Aaron was preceded in death by his grandparents, George Raymond and Hazel Irene Nieman, and maternal grandfather, Alfonso Gonzales. Learn more about Aaron and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday from 4-8 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. John Bosco Church in Mattawan. Please visit Aaron’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.