Ronald Theodore Niemi, age 72, a resident at Houghton County Medical Care Facility passed away on Friday, April 29, 2016 with his family by his side.

Ronald was born on February 18, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan to Arthur and Hilja Niemi, who were originally from Salo and Paavolla here in the Copper Country. Ron was born fifth out of six children.

In 1962 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas and in South Korea.

Ron worked as a machinist at various shops and as a construction laborer. He lived in Royal Oak, Oak Park, Ferndale, and Southfield. In 1990 Ron moved from Southfield to the Copper Country and lived at his father’s original birth home in Salo.

Over the years, he’s enjoyed camping, gardening, cycling, fishing, and playing card games.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Thomas and Robert, and his sister Kathleen Kropke.

Ron is survived by his son Dan and Therese of Pittsfield Township, grandchildren Bob and Elizabeth, two sisters Margaret (Albert) Koskela of Traprock Valley and Judy (John) Storm of New Hudson, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet on Monday, May 2nd, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Calumet, with Pastor David Taivalkoski to officiate.

Burial will take place at the Waasa Cemetery in Hancock.

Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.