Ishpeming – Toivo J. "Jake" Niemi Jr., age 73 of 548 Mather Ave., Ishpeming passed away peacefully on Thursday June 9, 2011 with his family by his side. He had been a patient at Marquette General Hospital since this past Monday.


Jake was born October 25, 1937 in Ishpeming the son of the late Toivo J. Sr. and Jean (Quayle) Niemi. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. Jake served his country in the United States Air Force. Following his Air Force career, he returned to Ishpeming where he and his wife raised their eight children together. Jake worked in the construction industry for the Laborers Union Local #1329 for 30+ years. While with the Union he worked mainly on projects throughout the Upper Peninsula, and had been very active in Union activities, and had served on the executive board. Jake was proud of his family and enjoyed the time he could spend with them.


Survivors include his wife of 53 years Eleanore (Heikkila) Niemi of Ishpeming, eight children – Jean (Michael) Werth of Appleton, Greg Niemi of Kalamazoo, Donna Niemi of Appleton, Sonja (Pete) LaPin of Champion, Jason (Michelle) Niemi of Ishpeming, Jack (Debbie) Niemi of Three Rivers, MI, Kurt Niemi of Ishpeming and Steve (Jana) Niemi of Appleton, a brother Ronald Niemi of Ishpeming, a sister Shari (Carl) LaPointe of Marquette, 10 grandchildren – Cory Vickstrom, Kristy Borchert, Brian Laitinen, Jenny Laitinen, Branden LaPin, Jack Niemi Jr., Tucker Niemi, Abby Niemi, Chanler Niemi and Chase Niemi, 7 great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Jake was preceded in death by his parents – Toivo Niemi Sr, and Jean (Quayle) Pevey, a sister Barbara and a brother Allen.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday June 11, 2011 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services at the Bethel Lutheran Church.