Rita Niemi

Rita Niemi, age 73, of Sundell died surrounded by loved ones late Monday evening, June 1, 2026 at her home under the loving care of her family and North Woods Hospice. She was born on July 3, 1952 in Marquette to the late Edward and Gladys (Truckey) Tyner. Rita grew up in Limestone and attended school in Traunik and then Eben. She graduated from Eben High School in 1970. Rita married Peter William Niemi on June 20, 1970. After Pete was discharged from the U.S. Navy they returned home to Sundell from Florida and raised their three children. Rita was a loving homemaker. She drove the bus for Altran for over ten years. Rita stopped working to help take care of her grandchildren. Family was always priority #1 to her. Camping with extended family was always a highlight of the summer months. Rita was generous with her time and talents to almost a fault. She could not say “No” to anyone. Rita was a talented seamstress from making wedding dressing to upholstery on furniture and pontoons. She could also work with wood. Rita made a gun cabinet for her son and a hope chest for her daughter. She was an engineer without a degree. Rita was a kind and creative soul.

She is survived by children – Teri (Kevin) Lintula of Skandia, Michelle Sommer of Sheboygan, WI, and Kim (Leah Gantkessy) Niemi of Gladstone; grandchildren – Hailey and Luke Lintula, Paige and Cassie Sommer, and Travis Niemi; siblings – Edward (Marlene) Tyner, Jr., Carol Trumbell, Donna Pedone, George (Barbara) Tyner, Terry (Barbara) Tyner, Sharlet (Melvin) Silta, Jack Tyner, Bonnie (Marvin) Maki, Tim (Kim) Tyner, and Kim (Judy) Tyner; brother-in-law – Leo (Nona) Niemi; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rita was preceded in death by her parents; husband of over fifty-three years, Pete, who died on October 29, 2023; parents-in-law Eugene and Anna Niemi; sister – Gloria Charlebois; brother – Jim (Sherry) Tyner; and in-laws – Jim Charlebois, Janet Tyner, Jim Trumbell, Ron Pedone, Martin Niemi, and Fern Niemi.

Services will be held at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham on Friday, June 12, 2026. Visiting time with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jeremy Ashley will officiate Rita’s memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Interment for Rita and Pete will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery following the memorial service.