Michigamme – Shirley M. Niemi, age 75, longtime Michigamme resident passed away on Friday September 2, 2016 at the Mather Nursing Center in Ishpeming Twp. where she had been a resident since Oct of 2013.

Shirley was born March 15, 1941 in Michigamme, MI, the daughter of the late Jalmer and Elizabeth (Hopkins) Lakonen. She attended the Michigamme School and was a graduate of the Michigamme High School, Class of 1959. Shirley married Einer "Walter" Niemi in Michigamme and together they raised 3 children. Shirley tended to her families needs, as she enjoyed cooking and baking along with caring for her flower gardens. Shirley will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, who in her younger years loved playing the organ and the past few years enjoyed playing BINGO at the Mather Nursing Center.

Shirley is survived by a daughter – Sherri (Brad Delongchamp) Niemi of Michigamme, 2 sons – David Niemi of Michigamme and Daniel (Donna) Niemi of Ishpeming, a brother Jalmer (Arlene) Lakonen of Three Lakes, sister Dawn (Ronald) Dubord of Nekosha, WI, a granddaughter Brittany Niemi of Michigamme who was the light of her life, along with several nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Walter Niemi in 1986, her parents, and 2 sisters – Nancy Gooding and Joyce Windahl.

Private family graveside services will be held at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Shirley's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.