Stella K. Niemi

IRONWOOD, Mich. — Stella K. Niemi, of Ironwood, passed away on Nov. 30, 2021, at Westgate Nursing Home in Ironwood.

Stella was born Sept. 22, 1919, the daughter of the late Stanley Sr. and Genevieve (Ruks) Magiera.

She attended Weber Grade School in Saxon, Wisconsin, and graduated in 1937 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood. She was a proud homemaker and caregiver for the remainder of her life. She was married in 1951 to Steve Levandowski until his passing in 1970, then to Werner Niemi from 1976 until his passing in 1998.

Stella used to work for the Hanson Glove Factory in Ironwood and helped with fish fry at the Blue Goose Bar when her brother, Stanley “Boyce” Magiera, owned it. It was a family affair with help from sister, mother and Boyce.

Stella loved gardening and attended many farmers markets with her homegrown produce and handmade items. She also attended many Iron County fairs, where she won a variety of ribbons. She loved to cook and has many recipes in local cookbooks. She enjoyed making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Stella loved her cats and family dearly.

She is survived by her daughter, Jackie Smith of Pendleton, Oregon; son, William (Julie) Smith of Boise, Idaho; stepdaughter, Dorothy (Jerome) Trembley of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as her niece, Terry Cvengros.

She was preceded in passing by her parents and husbands; her brother, Stanley; sister, Josephine Wyzlic and son-in-law, Fritz Miller; and grandson, Gregory Magiera.

Burial will occur at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.

Anyone wishing to express sympathy can contribute to HOPE Animal Shelter.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Stella's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.