Bob Niemi

Bob was born on August 13th, 1950, in Hancock, MI, to Helvi (Kauppi) Niemi & Edwin Niemi. Bob, youngest of five, grew up in Hancock. He graduated from Hancock High School in 1968 and went on to attend Michigan State University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences (Go Spartans!).

He then attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 1979 with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Bob interned with the City Manager’s office in Marquette in 1975 – the beginning of a long career in public service. A part-time administrator position in 1975 at Marquette Transit Authority (later Marq-Tran) eventually became a full-time position, and Bob was the executive director until his retirement in 2006. The unveiling of the Robert J. Niemi Transportation Center was one of his proudest moments and a tribute to his years of work. In addition to the years he spent working for Transit, Bob was an integral force in the state-wide Michigan Transit Pool.

Bob met Joy Hansen in 1979. They married in 1980 and raised their two children in Marquette. Bob cherished his children and they shared many happy memories over the years.

Bob and Joy shared a love for community and each other in a long, happy marriage. Bob had a strong passion for giving back through volunteer work, doing whatever was required. He volunteered on the school board of Father Marquette Catholic Academy and even oversaw playground duty. He was in Superior Land Kiwanis club from 1977-1985 and was recruited for the Kiwanis Club of Marquette in 2016, later becoming their Treasurer. Bob was an active member of the Democratic Party in Marquette County, serving on the executive committee as Treasurer for several years. Bob was a member of the League of Women Voters, a lifetime member of the Marquette Regional History Center, and volunteered for Room at the Inn shelter services. He and his teammate in life, Joy, worked many evening shifts at the shelter serving meals, making beds, or moving supplies to accommodate guests.

Bob was on the downtown development authority (DDA) but resigned when he was elected to serve on the City Commission. He served 6 years total, including Mayor Pro Tem and later Mayor. He believed that, if you served in the position, you had to step up to it. He attended well over 300 events as mayor. Bob continued serving the county afterward, as a charter member of the Innovate Marquette Smart Zone and serving six years on the Board of Light and Power.

Bob was known to be intelligent and humorous. He was well-read, organized, and a “doer”. He was known as “The Numbers Guy”, a man who had spreadsheets for everything. He was extremely handy and could fix or build just about anything – skills he learned in the Boy Scouts and from his own father. He was stoic, like so many Finns, yet he had a big heart and a great sense of humor. He was someone you could count on, and the combination of his skills and personality drew so many to him. There are countless stories that could be told and these will be a source of comfort in a time of tears. Simply put, Bob is irreplaceable.

Bob will be missed by so many – his wife Joy, his son Steven (daughter-in-law Sabrina), daughter Allison, sister Janet (co-founding member of the CC), nephews, nieces, cousin Jeff (a fellow partner in mischief), cousin Kathy, cousin David, bonus son Greg Kershaw and many friends.

Please join us to celebrate Bob’s life at St. Michael’s Parish, 401 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 10 a.m. with visitation until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon in the church with the Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at my.gather.app/remember/robert-niemi

A luncheon will be served in the Zyrd Parish Center immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob’s name to Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855, Saint Vincent De Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Niemi family where memories of Bob may be shared at canalefuneral.com.