Republic – Ronald R. "Moose" Niemi, age 64, longtime Republic resident passed away at 1:35am on Saturday May 14, 2011 at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he had resided since July of 2005.


Ronald was born May 6, 1947 in Republic the son of the late Wilho and Elsie (Pelto) Niemi. He was a graduate of the Republic High School. Following graduation he entered the United States Army, on July 7, 1966 and served in Germany during the Vietnam War period, being honorably discharged on June 19, 1968. "Moose" returned to Republic and worked as a laborer, doing odd jobs mainly in the construction business. He had been a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church. "Moose" enjoyed hunting and fishing along with woodworking which included building miniature log cabins, which he put inside of bottles.


Survivors include 3 sisters – Ruth (Lonnie) Thomas of Calhoun, IL, Melba Sandel of Chapin, SC, and Marlene (Al) Morris of Irma, SC, a brother James Niemi of Republic, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters – Joyce and Carol.


"Moose's" wishes were to be cremated with a private inurnment to take place.