Nietsche

Bennie Ray Nietsche, an amazing man and all around wonderful human being transitioned to Spirit on Jan. 18, 2022.

Bennie was born in La Grange, on Nov. 26, 1947 to Lenora and Bennie G. Nietsche. He attended La Grange schools and graduated in 1966 from La Grange High School. He was an honor student and ran track. While at La Grange High, he met his high school sweetheart, Joanie Janssen, and they were married in 1967. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on Sept. 16, 2021.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Joanie; son, Joel Ben Nietsche; daughter, Tria Nietsche McKirdy, son-in-law, Luke McKirdy; and grandchildren, Grace Nietsche, Dylan McKirdy and Isla McKirdy who knew him as Grandpa Ducky and Papou. He’s also survived by his brother, Gary Don Nietsche and sister-in-law, Ronda Von Minden Nietsche; niece, Carisa Nietsche and nephew, Jace Nietsche. Always with an open heart, he is also survived by brother-in-law, John Janssen, who he considered one of his children, John’s wife, Michelle, and two nieces, Allie Janssen and Malia Janssen, who he loved as grandchildren. Bennie is also survived by a large extended family and friends.

Quick to laugh and first with a big smile, he loved hugs, corny dad jokes and witty puns. He always maintained that laughter, joy and love were the best medicine. Grandpa Ducky loved to call his grandchildren on their birthdays and wish them happy birthday in a Donald Duck voice. Animals loved him and would greet him wherever he went.

Bennie attended Blinn College, UT Austin and UTMB, Galveston where he graduated with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1972. He found the perfect profession which spanned 49 years as an internationally recognized physical therapist. He loved his patients, and they loved him back describing him as the kindest, most compassionate man they had ever met. He served on the original committee that wrote the first PT practice act in Texas. His career spanned from director of hospital physical therapy departments, college instructor, speaker at many professional conferences, private practice and finally, specializing in pain management in home health where he could treat patients and interact with them in their own homes. A master of PT technique and manual pain management, he strived to learn everything available to improve the lives of his patients with chronic pain and help them regain their function.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and many other beloved family members, friends and pets.

No services are planned at this time due to the Covid surge. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year when it is safe to gather.

Memorial donations may be made on his behalf to the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, 240 Svoboda Lane, La Grange, Texas 78945.