Reinhold F. Niebergall, Kipling, Sask., died on Friday, June 20, 2008 at Estevan, Sask., at the age of 93 years. The funeral service was held in Christ Lutheran Church, Kipling, Sask., on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Doug Miner officiating. Interment of cremated remains in the Edenland Cemetery. The urn bearer was Dale Niebergall.

The following is the eulogy as given by grandson Jim Niebergall:

Reinhold Frederich Niebergall also known as Papa, Dad and to lots of his friends “Old Slippery”

Born to John & Katherine Niebergall. Predeceased by his wife, Dora in 2005 and one son, David in 1977, brothers, Henry, Philip, August and Edward and sisters, Molly Brown and Helene Henry. Reinhold is survived by his son, Dale & His Wife Norma, of Kipling, His grandchildren, James & His Wife Carrie-Jo of Lampman. Christopher of Kipling. Natasha & her Husband Jacob Kendal of Whitewood. Four great grandchildren, Ethan Niebergall, Trinity Niebergall, Christian Niebergall and Damien Clarke. One sister, Maida Brown of Brockville, Ont. Sisters &Brothers-in-law Tillie Niebergall, Phyllis Niebergall and Mary Mann all of Regina. Jake & wife Alma Mann of Kelowna, B.C. and Elma & Husband Victor Golschesky of Kitchener, Ont. As well, as many nieces, nephews and their families.

Reinhold met his wife Dora at his Brother August’s wedding to Dora’s Sister Tillie. Six weeks later they got married. Dora passed away 1 month prior to their 50th anniversary in 2005. They raised two children Dale, and his brother David who passed in 1977.

Reinhold was a husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and friend. When He moved into the manor he was always in charge of setting up the bowling and shuffleboard tournaments. As a member of the community he volunteered for many organizations such as the Legion, Fire Department and the Lions Club. The later years in his life was spent watching sports on TV, and as Grandma Dorthy like to brag “I don’t know how he watches two TV’s with one good Eye?” He was a true Jay’s Fan, and though I can’t see him wearing a melon on his head, he was a Rider Fan.

He had many occupations, most of which were at one establishment, Ransoms Garage. There he washed cars, sold cars, and held the most admirable of positions,… a parts man. He also was a farmer, and a beer parlor server.

Of all the stories he told me the most vivid memories were from his time as a member of the Canadian forces. It seemed to be his most proud period of his life. Perhaps that’s were he developed his work ethic which he passed down to Dale,.. And I don’t want to brag,… but trickled down to me.

You could see his military background everyday when he walked somewhere, he never strolled; he walked with a purpose and a mission. Most daily missions included marching down to Balfour Drugstore to get his Leader Post, check his Sport Select Ticket, and pick his new selects for the next day’s games. And of course his daily coffee with the gang.

Another glorious time in his life was Owner, Manager, and Operator of a very successful business, Kipling Billiards & Coffee shop. Which after he sold, to a not so bad proprietor, he even kept working there. I still here stories from others of the times that Papa & Dad operated the Pool Hall and they are all fond memories. Even if it was Papa giving someone heck for something they shouldn’t be doing. It seemed to instill respect to many young people of that generation. It was such a good environment that my parents thought it was fit enough to raise their kids there. Don’t get me wrong, we had a separate house to sleep in, but the pool hall was like home. We always had family come visit at the pool hall. We had birthday parties, & numerous other celebrations at where we called our other home. Due to Papa’s influence, My Brother became quite a pool shark, My sister broke her leg, rather Dad did on the way to the pool hall, and the steady hand I developed pouring coffee has kept many of whiskey from ever reaching the floor.

As far as I can tell, the nickname Slippery came early in the pool hall career. It must have been his slippery ways around a snooker table. I also heard it could have been from his curling endeavors. Anyways that nickname some how moved to his son, which eventually turned Papa into “Old Slippery”, and you guessed it, Chris and I are both known as “Little Slippery”

To some up the life of the man I am proud to call Papa into one word,… it would be “Legacy”

Reinhold was predeceased by his wife Dora in 2005; one son David in 1977; brothers: Henry, Philip, August and Edward and sisters Molly Brown and Helene Henry. He is survived by his son Dale (Norma), Kipling, Sask.; his grandchildren: Natasha (Jake), Christopher and James (Carrie-Jo); great grandchildren: Ethan, Trinity and Christian Niebergall and Damien Clarke; one sister Maida Brown, Brockville, Ont.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Tillie Niebergall, Phyllis Niebergall and Mary Mann all of Regina, Sask.; Jake (Alma) Mann, Kelowna, B.C. and Elma (Victor) Golschesky, Kitchener, Ont., as well as his niece and nephews and their families.