A respected local businessman and philanthropist will be laid to rest this weekend.

Bernie Niehaus died February 27th at the age of 86.

He’s described as a man dedicated to his community and to education.

He took over his family’s lumber business in 1959 which his children and grandchildren continue to operate today.

He was a past recipient of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, James C. McCormick Community Leader Award and was involved with the Vincennes University Board of Directors for over 30 years.

He served as VU Board of Directors Chair in the early 90’s and was a founding member of the VU Newman Center and had served on the VU Foundation Board since 1993.

VU honored him with an honorary doctorate in 2007.

He was also heavily involved in the Diocese of Evansville Catholic Foundation and Vincennes Catholic Schools.

He was a founding Red Skelton Museum Foundation Board member and was considered a driving force of the museum.

He’s also a recipient of a Sagamore of the Wabash, which is Indiana’s highest honor for his leadership and community service.

A Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10-am this Saturday March 9th at  St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Main in  Vincennes.

A public viewing is Friday March 8th from 3 to 7 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations to the Christian Education Foundation and the Niehaus Family Scholarship through the Vincennes University Foundation,