Elma Niemi

Graveside service for Elma Maki Niemi, 88, of Aurora, will be 11am Friday, May 21, 2010 in Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora with Rev. Robert Munneke officiating. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Mrs. Niemi died Sunday May 16, 2010 in St. Michael's Health and Rehab Center in Virginia. She was born Nov. 23, 1921 in Biwabik, MN to William and Amanda Saaristo. She married John Maki on March 11, 1939 in Virginia. They raised two sons; Melvin and Russell. Elma was a cook for the DM&IR Railroad in Skibo for many years and also was head cook at the Boase School for 15 years. She also was a cook at the Coates Hotel and the Holiday Inn. On March 6, 1970 she married Ernest Niemi in Virginia. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Aurora, the Aurora American Legion Auxiliary and a long time volunteer for the Meals-on-Wheels program with her husband. Elma enjoyed baking and cooking and was an excellent fisher woman in her younger days. Survivors include her grandsons: Robb Hanson, Brian (Tina) Maki and John (Shiela) Maki; granddaughters: Jody (Jason) Bryant and Holly (Jason) Croteau; step-children: Ernie (Jan) Niemi Jr. and Paula Jendro; great grandchildren: Erika Maki, Corbin Bryant and Eli and Jack Maki; daughter-in-law: Kathy Martz; special nephew: Duane (Connie) Saaristo and several other nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren: Greg (Rose) Jendro, Tim Jendro, Ryan Jendro, and Jason Niemi; step great grandchildren: Joshua, Becka and Michael Jendro, Halle and Isabelle Niemi. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: John Maki and Ernest Niemi; sons: Melvin and Russell; step-son: Sanfred Niemi; brothers: William and Edwin Saaristo; sisters: Selma Pelto and Aune (in Finland); step-granddaughter: Christie Niemi.