John K. Niemi

John Keith Niemi John K, Niemi, 83, died Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids, MN. John was born July 25, 1931 in Wakefield, Michigan to John "Gust" and Fannie (Hallberg) Niemi. He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1949. After serving his country in the Air Force, John began working in the iron ore mines in Michigan's U.P. This eventually led him to northern Minnesota where he was employed by Erie Mining Co. and Eveleth Mines until retirement. John married his loving wife Elaine Overlee on June 25, 1960. Although John lived in and served the Aurora / Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota community since the late 1950’s, he was a true to his Michigan / Finnish-American heritage, never letting anyone forget about his love of the Michigan Wolverines or his Green Bay Packers. John was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, the American Legion, and many, many other social and civic organizations. John was a former city council member and mayor of Aurora. John is survived by, his wife: Elaine, children: Nancy (Jeff) Bourbonais of Maple Grove, John (Theresa) Niemi of Sauk Rapids, Dave (Kay) Niemi of Elk River, grandchildren: Lauren and Eric Niemi, Jennifer and Cora Bourbonais, and Paule Niemi, step-grandchildren: Cory and Hannah Warner, brother: Warren (Judy) Niemi of Blissfield , MI. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Lila Vidrick and Ruth Gilbertson. Visitation will be held Friday, December 12 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Funeral services will be 10am Saturday, December 13 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A lunch will follow. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.