Elna Eleanor Niemela

Elna was born in Hancock, Michigan, on January 8, 1934, to the late Frederick and Esther Romberg.

Elna attended school in Hancock, and after graduation, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, and worked for the Burroughs Corporation. While in Detroit, she met her late husband, Wally Niemela. They were married, on April 16, 1955, and celebrated 60 years together until Wally’s passing in 2015.

Elna was a loving wife and mother. Her passion was her family and devoted herself fully to loving and caring for each one.

Elna was preceded in death by her husband Wally; an infant granddaughter, Michelle Lampinen; her parents, Frederick and Esther Romberg; two sisters, Martha Marie, Elsie Elizabeth; five brothers, Albert, Leo, David, Paul and Wendel.

Elna is survived by one daughter, Connie (Doug) Lampinen; five sons, Cal (Donna) Niemela, Nels (Merry) Niemela, Curt (Mildred) Niemela, Jered Niemela and Marcus Niemela. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, as well as 22 great-grandchildren, all having fond memories of the grandmother they affectionately called “Ämmi”.

She is also survived by her sister, Judith (Earl) Moquist of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; a brother, Daniel Romberg of L’Anse; a sister-in-law, Joan (the late Marvin) Niemela; and one brother-in-law, Ralph (Helen) Niemela.

Elna lived her life with a deep yet simple faith in the redemptive work of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her relationship with Christ was evidenced in her life of unquestioned love and forgiveness.

At Elna’s request, a private funeral service was held on December 28, 2019, at the Antila Funeral Home in Hancock, at 1 p.m., with sons, Cal Niemela and Jered Niemela officiating.

Spring burial will take place where Elna will be laid to rest in the Chassell

Township Cemetery.

The family extends a very special “Thank You” to the WONDERFUL staff at both the Bluff’s and Portage Pointe, who provided such loving care for our mother. She truly appreciated and loved you!

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations be made to Apostolic

Lutheran Foreign Mission. Earmark donations for: Apostolic Life Ministries, Kapileswarapuram, A.P. INDIA and mail to: 1601 NW 4th Ave., Battle Ground, Washington 98604.

Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.