Harry C. Niethamer, father of Dianne Niethamer Lumsdaine (Joe), and Susan Niethamer of Downey, and David Niethamer (Diane) of Menifee, was born in Secaucus, New Jersey on May 10, 1928. Harry tried his hardest to fight in World War II as a 17 year-old, only to have his ship turn around in the Atlantic after VJ Day.

Harry met the love of his life, Clara (Lilley) and they were married in 1948. Harry owned his own schiffli embroidery shop until the New York garment industry stumbled in the 1960’s. Harry moved west to California with his wife and four young children, to start over.

As their children grew, Harry and Clara embraced being grandparents to 16 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. After the passing of his wife Clara in 2000, Harry continued to live the next 20 years in his home in Downey with grandson Casey as his caregiver and companion. He stayed as sharp witted and kind-hearted as ever, participated in family gatherings and was truly happy despite his declining health.

Before his 90th birthday, Harry was asked what was the greatest lesson he had learned in life. He replied, “I am still waiting for it. I never want to stop learning”. Harry’s legacy is a life of learning: he was always looking for the next book or documentary or scientific discovery, to learn something new and share it with those around him.

Besides two daughters and a son, Harry is survived by six granddaughters: Jodi Lumsdaine Chapin (Richard) and their children, Phoebe and Lola; Jennifer Lumsdaine (Niles Guinn); Cynthia Susanne Niethamer (Eric) and their children Brandon, Andrew, Nathan, Cameron and Kurt; Michelle Niethamer Jordan (Tad) and their children Brittany (Cole Picchiottino), Brett, and Braelyn; Amy Niethamer Tuengal; Holly Niethamer (Joseph Anderson) and their children Jeremiah, Justin, Jonnie, Jasmyn; and grandsons: Paul Lumsdaine (Tiffany Kwong), and their children, Owen and Juniper; Charles “Casey” Lumsdaine; Jon Niethamer (Jill) and their children Emma (Daniel Witzel), with great-great granddaughters, Reagan & Reese Witzel, and Cole (fiancé Leslie Ramos); Jeremy Niethamer (Jessica), step-children Hailey and Tamryn; and Chad Niethamer (Angie), their children Emily and Maci; and five step-grandchildren: Candice Coker Gayle (Kadesh) and their children Samantha and Sydney; Stephanie Denham (fiancé Jim Diamond); Sean Denham (Cindy) and their children Zachary and Chloe; Ryan Denham of (Allie Mendez) and their children Charlotte and Kash; and Chelsea Herrera (Jaime) and their children Adrian and Mia.

Harry is predeceased by his wife, Clara Pearl Lilley Niethamer (March 22, 2000) and his son, Gary Thomas Niethamer (June 5, 1985).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School https://give.stjo.org or Boy’s Town https://www.boystown.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.rishermortuary.com. 562-699-0916.

Services for Harry are private, with a Celebration of Life to come in the fall.