Fern Niemi

Fern was born January 19th, 1947 to Eugene and Anna Violet (Vanni) Niemi. She grew up on her family farm in Sundell, MI with her brothers Martin, Pete, and Leo. Fern graduated from Eben High School and then attended cosmetology school. In her early 20’s she moved to Appleton, WI, and after 3 years she returned to the U.P. Shortly after moving home, she relocated to Negaunee (according to her nieces Teri Lynn and Murph, “the big city”, who “had cable”). In 1978, she welcomed her beloved son Jeffrey. She proudly raised him as a single mother, with the love and support of many family and friends, especially the late Donna and Nob Rogers and their family. She worked hard her entire life to support herself and Jeff. She owned and operated Fern’s Beauty Salon for many years, before finishing her career at the Sheare Point, from where she eventually retired.

Upon her retirement, she spent her time enjoying her grandchildren. Her greatest joy, and proudest accomplishment, was being a grandmother to Ty and Emme. They adored her and she adored them even more. She helped care for them when they were young and then later enjoyed spending as much quality time with them as she could. They had many sleepovers – learning new games (which they always had to go back and look at the rule books to prove each other wrong because Grandma was not “letting them win”), learning how to cook (including lessons in making the absolute perfect pasty), and watching whatever sporting event on TV they wanted to watch (even when she wasn’t with them, she would watch the games, so she could talk to them about it the next day). She was an amazing grandmother, and the special bond she had with Ty and Emme was immeasurable.

Fern was 100% Finlander and the definition of “Sisu”. She was stoic, loyal, kind, funny, and tough as hell. She loved her family fiercely, doted on her son, and was the greatest grandmother to Ty and Emme. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, visiting with her “Appleton crew”, playing cards and games, sewing and knitting, and cooking/baking.

She has recently been called a “Super Miner”. She was so proud of her son, and being able to watch him transition from playing high school sports to eventually coaching them. To then watching her grandchildren on the field and in the gym. She may have bragged a time or two.

In early 2025 Fern suffered a devastating stroke. She lived her final year at Eastwood Nursing Center, where she was loved and cared for immensely every single day. She passed quietly and peacefully, just as she would have wanted, one year to the day that she moved there.

Fern is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Jodi) Niemi of Negaunee; the lights of her life, Grandchildren Ty and Emelia Niemi; her brother Leo (Nona) Niemi of The Villages, Florida, her sister-in-law and dear friend Rita Niemi of Sundell; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Martin (who died in action in Vietnam) and recently Peter.

Fern’s family would like to thank Eastwood Nursing Center for the amazing care they provided to her over the last year. They would like to extend a special thank you to all of Fern’s nurses and CNAs who showed kindness, patience, professionalism, and compassion. Their care did not go unnoticed and will not be forgotten.

Per Fern’s wishes, private family services will be held in the spring. Her memorial page may be viewed at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com.