Jackie "Bunny" Niemi

     Jackie “Bunny” Niemi, 85, a resident of Painesdale, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Canal View – Houghton County in Hancock following a lengthy illness. 

He was born on March 10, 1937, in Chassell, MI, the son of the late Ansel and Lempi (Wanhala) Niemi. At the age of 10 he moved with his family to Painesdale where he spent the rest of his life. 

     Mr. Niemi was a veteran having served with the United States Army being stationed in Texas, Colorado, California and Germany. 

     On August 17, 1974, he was united in marriage to Deanna Vettori and they had 48 wonderful years together. 

     The most important thing in Bunny’s life was his family. He was a wonderful husband, and very proud of his 2 sons, Darren and Daniel, and a very proud grandpa to his Elsa. She was the light of his life. 

     Mr. Niemi worked for various construction and logging companies. He then began a career as a custodian and bus driver for the Adams Township Schools retiring after 20 years of service. 

     Mr. Niemi also served on the Houghton County Board of Commissioners for 20 years, with 16 of those as Chairman of the Commissioners. He belonged to the Wyandotte Hills Golf Club since 1963. He was also a member of the Range Lions Club since 1970. One of the things he was most proud of was that he started teaching his sons how to golf at the age of 4 which made both of them very good golfers. He also gave lessons to the youth league for several years. Bunny enjoyed spending time at the hunting camp that he helped build with his buddies and was able to hand that down to his sons to enjoy. He also loved to watch cartoons and tell jokes with his precious Elsa. 

     Surviving are: His wife: Deanna, his sons Darren and Daniel (Melissa) and his granddaughter: Elsa; His sister: Carol Keranen, his sister-in-law: Marilyn Dove; cousin Ruth Wisti and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

     Preceding him in death were his parents, his siblings; Edwin Dove, Milton (Jean) Dove, Eileen (Jeff) Nissen, John Dove, Jarl (Helen) Dove, Earl (Nancy) Dove, and Linda Dove. 

     Bunny’s family would like to thank Dr. Kass, the doctors and nurses at UP Health-Portage ER, UP Health-Marquette, and the staff at Canal View – Houghton County for the excellent care given to him. 

     A funeral service for Bunny will be held 11 am Monday, January 2, 2023, at the Mt. View Mortuary of South Range with Rev. Eric Falker to officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. View Cemetery of South Range later this spring. 

     Friends may call on Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 4 to 7:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service Mt. View Chapel of South Range, and on Monday from 10 am until time of services at the funeral home. 

     To view Bunny’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net