Russell James Niemi

A gathering of family and friends for Russell James Niemi, 85, of Palo will be held from 4-6 pm Friday, November 30, 2018 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Military honors will be accorded by the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes Color Guard. Russell died Monday, November 26, 2018 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Russell grew up and attended school in Aurora, graduating from the Aurora High School. He was drafted to serve in the US Army during the Korean War from 1953-1955.  He served on the 623rd Field Artilliary Battalion, AKA “Morgan’s Raiders”.   Russell was awarded medals for Good Conduct, United Nations Service, Korean Service, and National Defense Service. Russell was united in marriage to Lucille Edith Anderson on August 13, 1955. The couple resided in Palo for their entire lives.  Russell worked for J & L Steel, retiring after forty years of service.  He was a member of the Paul Mogush Post 9702 VFW, American Legion 241 of Aurora, and the VFW Post 8144 of Hoyt Lakes.  Russell enjoyed spending time at the cabin and his Sunday morning coffee with Jim, Jeremy, and Bob. He always enjoyed working on projects in his garage. Survivors include: two daughters: Laureen Garman Copeland of NY and Cheryl (Ron) Hill of Aurora; daughter-in-law: Sharon Niemi of Aurora; five grandchildren: Michael, Andrea, Alyssa (Tim), Jeremy (Kendra Cadeau-Allen), and Joseph; four great-grandchildren: Isabella, McKenna, Adelle, and Abigail; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lucille; a son, James; two sisters: Ellen and Rauha; and his parents.