Douglas R. "Dutch" Nie II

Douglas R. “Dutch” Nie II
United States Air Force – Security Policeman

Douglas R. “Dutch” Nie II’s life has been defined by service — to his country, his community, and his profession.

Born and raised in Dearborn/Taylor, Michigan, Dutch moved with his parents and six sisters to Ann Arbor in 1979 when the family purchased what would become the Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service – Carpenter Road Chapel. Living above the funeral home, Dutch learned the value of hard work early, helping with everything from mowing lawns and washing cars to assisting his father during visitations and removals.

After graduating from Huron High School in 1982, Dutch was unsure of his career path — until his best friend returned from Marine Corps boot camp in dress blues. Inspired by that commitment to country, Dutch entered delayed enlistment in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist in November 1982.

He began his service in June 1983 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, completing basic training, technical school, Air Base Ground Defense, and heavy weapons training. In December 1983, just days before Christmas, Dutch reported to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, where he served as a Security Policeman for 18 months, including TDY’s to Clark Air Base in the Philippines and Andersen Air Base in Guam.

In 1985, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Russell, and together they began the life of a military family. Over the next years, they were stationed at McClellan AFB, California (1985-1987), Osan AB, South Korea (1987-88), and Chanute AFB, Illinois (1988-90), welcoming two sons, Jacob and Jesse, along the way. Dutch excelled in his duties, earning the “Top Gun” award during .50 Cal Machine Gun school and serving in roles from patrolman and desk sergeant to Squadron Mobility and Supply NCO.

When the late 1980s brought budget cuts, base closures, and promotion freezes, Dutch made the difficult decision to transition out of active duty in 1990 and returned to Ann Arbor to rejoin the family funeral business while continuing to serve as an Air Force reservist.

Dutch earned his bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in 1992 and went on to lead and expand the family business, ultimately becoming CEO in 2000. Under his leadership, the company grew from one location to four, becoming Washtenaw County’s leading provider of funeral and cremation services. Today, the Nie legacy continues with Jacob as a third-generation funeral director and Jesse operating the county’s only crematory.

Dutch and Donna — celebrating 40 years of marriage in 2025 — have raised six children and are proud grandparents to three granddaughters.

Throughout his civilian life, Dutch has remained devoted to his fellow veterans. He is active with VFW Post 423, American Legion Post 268, and serves as a DoD Civilian Consultant on the Mortuary Inspection Team, ensuring the highest standards at military mortuaries around the world.

From guarding our nation’s freedom to serving its families with compassion, Douglas “Dutch” Nie has lived a life anchored in duty, honor, and service — always proud to wear the uniform of the United States Air Force and to stand among America’s veterans.