Howard Lloyd Niemi

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Howard Lloyd Niemi, 94, of Bessemer, died on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital in Ironwood. He was born May 26, 1923, in Ironwood, the son of the late Einard and Anna (Hill) Niemi.

Howard graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army for the duration of World War II, assigned to the China-Burma-India battles and campaign. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, four Overseas Service Bars, Service Stripes and Good Conduct Medal.

He was a member of the Bessemer VFW Post 3673. Howard worked as a miner at many local mines, which included the Geneva Mine and White Pine Copper Range. He was very proud of the welding certificate he received from Community Education, and enjoyed using his welding and mechanical skills in the mine. He also worked in the lumber industry, at Big Powderhorn Mountain, and for the city of Bessemer.

He is survived by one son, Rodger L. Niemi (Terry), of Marenisco; two daughters, Alice Manki (David), of Pine Lake, and Nola Stenroos (Scott), of Superior, Wis .; his grandchildren, Rebecca Peronteaux, Chalan Malanowski, Einar Manki, Katie Stenroos, Sam Stenroos and Ellie Niemi; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas Mockus, Ian Wilson and Myles Malanowski; his sister, Janette Niemi Kitto; and brother, Donald Niemi.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Peronto Niemi; son, Roy L. Niemi; his parents; four brothers, Roland, Earl, Kenneth and Clifford Niemi; and sister, Beatrice Niemi Moore.

Howard was an avid sports fan, loyal to the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching the games with his family whenever the Packers played. While he was still in reasonable health, he rarely missed local football games. In his youth, he played softball as a member of the Yale Tavern team. Howard taught himself how to play the accordion and the organ. He enjoyed camping with his family, fishing, hiking in the woods, playing horseshoes and attending the horse racing events at the Gogebic County Fair.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home, 304 S. Sophie St., Bessemer. Pastor Lisa Ubbelohde will officiate. Howard's family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard of Ironwood. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.

Range Funeral Service, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com

The family would like to thank all the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for providing professional, caring service to Howard for many years. A special thank you also to the staff at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.