Joseph R. Niemann

Joseph passed away peacefully at the age of 77, on March 3, 2023, at 11:41 pm.

Born in St. Louis, Joe was the beloved and devoted husband of Margaret (Peg) Concannon;
loving father of the Rev. Laurie Anzilotti (Craig) of Clayton, and J. Paul Niemann of Charlotte,
NC; cherished grandfather of Anna, Liza, Mark, and Kathryn Anzilotti, and Hannah and Claire
Niemann; brother of Jim Niemann; and brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He
was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Bride Mary, and his brother, John.

A hallmark of Joe’s life was his unassuming caretaking of others. He tended to people in small
moments like serving as the designated pick-up and drop-off person for every family airport
run. He was also present in larger responsibilities as he shepherded so many relatives through
end-of-life care.

Joe was a volunteer and leader in numerous charitable, church, and neighborhood
organizations, including memberships on St. Margaret of Scotland Elementary School Board of
Education, the Shaw Community Corporation (a charter member), the Flora Place Protective
Association, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council, the Vestry of the Church of St. Michael and
St. George. He was also a long-time member of the Missouri Athletic Club.

Joe was regularly heard speaking with pride about being a triple Billiken. He was a graduate of
Saint Louis University High School, Saint Louis University (BA 1967), and Saint Louis
University School of Law (JD 1970) where he received the Law Journal Award. His
distinguished career included 32 years of public service with the City of St. Louis, as well as
with Armstrong Teasdale law firm.

Joe was always very proud of his public service starting in 1971 as an Assistant and then as
an Associate City Counselor for the City. From 1981 until 1983, Joe assumed the top job of
City Counselor, serving as the City’s general counsel and managing its legal business and
staff.

In 1983, Armstrong Teasdale welcomed Joe as a partner and Chairman of the Public Law
Department, where he provided services for the St. Louis Community College, the St. Louis
County Special School District, and many other public and private clients.

From 1991 until his retirement in 2013, Joe returned to the City Counselor’s Office as the
manager of St. Louis Lambert Airport legal operations. Amongst his many achievements, Joe
established the first legal office within the airport. He was responsible for a wide range of legal
staff, attorneys, and law firms in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, Kansas City, and
Washington, D.C.

A service of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Joe at The Church of St. Michael and St.
George, 6345 Wydown Blvd. on Saturday, March 11 at 11 am. Reception immediately
following. All are welcome.

For those wishing to make a memorial in Joe’s name, the family suggests a donation to St.
Francis Episcopal Church, St. Louis University High School, or The Church of St. Michael and
St. George.

7 Comments

  1. Scott on March 6, 2023 at 9:18 pm

    A good boss, a great mentor and a wonderful friend. Truly the world is a lesser place without him in it. God Bless and God Speed You Home.



  2. Carol West on March 7, 2023 at 4:36 am

    Peggy, Laurie and Paul and to the entire family,
    Our prayers are with you in this time of need. Joe was such a great guy, always smiling, you will miss him every day but know he is at peace with God.
    Steve & Carol West



  3. Mary Anne Braun on March 7, 2023 at 6:06 am

    Joe was my favorite manager. He was a stickler for accuracy, and I learned a lot under his employ. I have fond memories of him that bring a smile or giggle. Joe will live in my heart forever. May he Rest In Peace.



  4. Dee Dee Lewitt on March 7, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    The staff of 816 will miss his bright and beautiful smile. He always treated each of us with dignity and respect. We never saw Joe without a smile or reading a book. We offer our condolences to the family and will keep the family in our hearts and mind. God be with you under these difficult times. Love and light. The 816 Staff



  5. Nick Otten on March 7, 2023 at 3:02 pm

    One of the kindest men I’ve ever known.



  6. Terry Kelley on March 10, 2023 at 2:41 pm

    Joe was a consummate friend outstanding attorney and great storyteller



  7. Laurie on July 24, 2024 at 8:42 am

    I love you, Daddy.



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