Niehaus, Louis James, “Lou”, age 83, of Centerville (formerly of Cincinnati and Brookville) passed away Monday, May 18, 2026. He graduated from Saint Xavier High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Science from Xavier University in 1972.

Lou was a truly unique soul who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He developed a love for music at an early age, and his talent at the piano granted him a lifetime of adventure and enduring friendships.

Beyond his music, Lou’s foundation was built on faith and his devotion to his family. He held a deep and constant love for his daughters and his grandchildren, and his capacity to care extended far wider, as he carried many others in his heart and daily prayers. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brookville and enjoyed playing the Sunday Chicago Folk services for many years.

Lou retired from Plastic Trim Inc. (PTI) in November 2008, and his later years were spent playing golf and entertaining others with his music. Lou lived generously and loved fully, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Lou is preceded in death by his parents William John and Katherine Marie Niehaus, and granddaughter Anjelica Eve Cross. He is survived by his daughters Shana Johnson and Jillyn (John) Cross; 5 grandchildren, Alex Johnson, Eric Lehman, Alana Slaven, Kasey Slaven, and Charles Cross; and 4 great grandchildren, Lillyanna Lehman, Elizabeth Campbell, Brayden Campbell, and Tobias Slaven.

Family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11 AM, both at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4865 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45440 on Wednesday, June 3rd. Graveside committal service will be held at at Saint Joseph Cemetery and Mausoleum (3819 W. 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45205) on Thursday, June 4th at 10am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries, www.lhm.org.