Ronald G. Niemela, Sr

Ronald G. Niemela, Sr., age 58, of L'Anse, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2001, at Marquette General Hospital.

He was born on July 8, 1942 in Calumet, Michigan, son of the late Gaunu "George" and Irene (Johnson) Niemela. He grew up in Calumet and worked on the Lakeview Flower Farm, which was owned by his parents. Ron graduated from Calumet High School in 1961, and attended Northern Michigan University. He married the former Dorothy Therrian on March 2, 1962 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Laurium.

Ron worked for Celotex Corporation in accounting and as Plant Controller for 35 years, retiring from there in 1997. He was working for Mine Support Systems, of Iowa, for the past three years. He was a member of the United Lutheran Church and a past member of the church council, a former Treasurer of the Lions Club of L'Anse, and Treasurer of the American Legion Post 144. He enjoyed camping, gardening, reading books, and loved to travel. He lived life to the fullest and loved to spend time with his family and grand kids.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy of L'Anse, five children, Ronald (Debra) Niemela, Jr. of Sheboygan, Brenda (Steve) Bianco of L'Anse, Kathy (Bryan) Tollefson of Kingsford, Michael (Wendy) Niemela of Chassell, Lynn (Darryl) Koski of L'Anse, a brother David (Peggy) Niemela of Calumet, five grandchildren Angela and Michelle Bianco, Melissa Tollefson, Ryan Niemela, and Samantha Koski.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home. The Lions club will conduct a service at 6:30 p.m., and the Baraga County area veterans will conduct a service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be on Thursday, at 11 a.m., at the United Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. Margaret Grant will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.