Marianne Niesen of Lompoc died Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at the age of 65.

Marianne was born February 16, 1942 to Carl and Anna Gunther in Guls/Koblenz, Germany. She grew up during post war times in Germany. She met her husband, Gerald, in Germany in 1962. They married September 16, 1963 and traveled in Europe as his job required. They came to Los Angeles in 1965, where Marianne became a US citizen.

Marianne was a loving and devout mother to three beautiful daughters, Andrea, Barbara and Joan. The family moved to Lompoc in 1971, where Gerald was employed at Vandenberg AFB. A lifelong homemaker she was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church, The Catholic Daughters and a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

In 1984, Marianne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She has been fighting this illness ever since until her recent death. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts and prayers.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years Gerald of Lompoc, three daughters Andrea Stammreich of San Pedro, Barbara Niesen-Burkhart of Costa Mesa and Joanie Niesen-Curry of Lompoc, two granddaughters Stefani and Anne Marie.

Her family would like to thank the Convalescent Care Center for the loving care they gave Marianne over the past 5 years. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in memory of Marianne to the Convalescent Care Center, 216 North 3rd Street, Lompoc.

There will be a gathering at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 6-8pm with a memorial rosary at 7pm. A memorial mass at the La Purisma Catholic Church will be held 10am Friday, followed by reception in Parish Hall at 11am.