Elaine Senia Niemi

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - On the morning of Feb. 18, 2019, Elaine Senia Niemi sat down for a long awaited chat and a cup of tea with her mom.

At age 70, Elaine passed away at her home in Ironwood Township. She was born on Aug. 23, 1948, to Bill and Aleda (Saari) Pelto and was a 1966 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School.

On April 20, 1968, she married John Niemi at Zion Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

For 17 years, Elaine and John raised and raced standardbred harness horses. Elaine enjoyed the camaraderie with those who traveled to the county fairs with their horses throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. After John retired, they did some traveling with a fifth-wheel camper during the winter months, visiting Florida, Texas and California. Though she loved traveling and seeing new places, home was where her heart was. Elaine was a huge Detroit Tigers fan, loved to walk the beach of Lake Superior collecting prized rocks and had an eye for collectibles and antiques.

Elaine had a love of home, friends and above all, family. She will be sadly missed by her husband, John; two sons, Steve (Rachel) Niemi of Humboldt, Mich., and Brian (Deedra) Niemi of Ironwood; grandchildren, Ivan (Toni Clisch) Niemi, Alexander Niemi, and Jordan (Andy) Virshek; and her three great-grandchildren, Yuri, Iliza and Henrik Niemi. She will also be especially missed be her very dear friend, Jan Anderson.

Though it was Elaine's wish that there be no formal service, there will be an internment and a celebration of her life at the Riverside Cemetery of Ironwood in the spring.

A very special thank you goes out to John's sister, Delores, and sister in law, Carol Niemi, who both were such help and support through difficult times. The family would also like to thank the nursing staff at Aspirus oncology for the outstanding care given to Elaine during her illness. Elaine often spoke of these "angels" who do such wonderful work.

Elaine will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

For more information and to express condolences, visit rangefuneralservices.com. Ketola-Burla Funeral Home of Ironwood is serving the family.