Amaryllis “Amy” Nieland

Amaryllis (Amy) Luverne Ruschke Nieland, age 89, of Rochester, passed away on May 23, 2026, at Arbor Terrace in Rochester.

Amy was born July 15, 1936, to Waldemar (Walter) and Eleanora (Kohls) Ruschke in Glencoe, Minnesota. She was baptized July 26, 1936, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota. She confirmed her faith April 2, 1950, at St. John’s. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1954.

Amy’s faith was always an important part of her life. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington where she was active in the Mission Club and Ladies’ Aid as well as volunteered at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. When she moved to Rochester, she joined Zumbro Lutheran Church where she loved hearing the many talented musicians and singers who shared their gifts with the congregation.

Amy worked at the Ben Franklin and Super Valu in Arlington before she married Lavern M. Nieland at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington on February 16, 1957. Amy and “Squeaker” celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends in 2007. They worked together to run their dairy farm and raise their family.

Amy took great pride and joy in her work as the Activity Director and Volunteer Coordinator at the Arlington Good Samaritan Center. She held this position for 25 years. After “retiring” from Good Sam, she was recruited to work as an Activity Director at the Wilds of Sand Prairie Assisted Living in St. Peter, Minnesota for two and a half years. She loved her last job as the “lunch lady” at St. Paul’s Lutheran School where she filled in for one year.

Amy loved being with people! Whether she was dancing, playing 500 or Bingo, completing puzzles, leading a 4-H club, or competing in games, she enjoyed laughter, fun, and time with others. She was known for her kindness and her ability to make everyone feel special.

There was not a craft Amy had not tried to do! Ceramics, painting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, scrapbooking, and card making were all ways she used her many talents. She loved to share those talents by gifting them to others. If you received something homemade from Amy, you were special.

Amy is survived by her children: Craig (Janice) Nieland, McKinney, Texas; Sandy Nieland, Rochester; Sheila (Marvin) Nieland Snyder, Rochester; and Chuck Nieland, Winsted. Amy was blessed with three grandchildren: Erica Nieland, Nicole (Neil) Harbin, and Kyle (Tayler) Nieland and six great grandchildren: Gavin Seastrunk, Jacob Harbin, Colton Harbin, Lily Nieland, Wyatt Nieland, and Reese Nieland. She is survived by her sister, Ramona (Mona) Pauly; sister-in-law, Emron (Emmy) Baer; special friend, Joe Brueckman; and many nieces and nephews.

Amy was preceded in death by her husband, Lavern; her parents; and her siblings: Ellen Henning, Palmer Ruschke, Wally Ruschke, Joan Weckop, and Karen Herd.

A memorial service will be held at the Samaritan Bethany Chapel, 8th Street NW, Rochester, 55901, June 9, 2026 with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and the service to follow. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Arlington, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the family. Amy will always be remembered for her kindness and caring for others. To honor Amy’s memory, do something kind for someone today.