Ishpeming – Ronald J. Niemi, age 75, lifelong Ishpeming resident passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. Ron had been a resident at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility for the past 6 months.

Ron was born March 26, 1940 in Ishpeming the son of the late Toivo J. and Jean (Quayle) Niemi and was a lifelong Ishpeming resident. Ron worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 35 years, starting at the Brownstone Shops in Ishpeming and later worked at the Empire and Tilden Mines, retiring in 1990. Ron enjoyed fishing, camping and trips to the area casino's. He and his late wife Peggy ran Woody's Bar in Ishpeming for several years and had been active at the Ishpeming Salvation Army.

Survivors include his children – Ron Niemi Jr. of St. Petersburg, FL, George (Ann) Niemi of Ishpeming, Ronda (Scott) Gravedoni of Negaunee, step-children – Darrell (Debbie) Van Horn of Palmer, Steven Van Horn and Sherry Dickey both of Ishpeming, a sister – Shari (Carl) LaPointe of Marquette, along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy, a sister Barbara Niemi, and brothers Toivo "Jake" Niemi and Allen Niemi.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00noon until 2:00pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home to share memories of Ron. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Ron's obituary will appear in Friday's Mining Journal, and may also be viewed at borkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.