Wayne ‘Kaki’ Niemi

Wayne was born in Lake Mine to Richard and Martha Niemi, on April 3, 1937. He attended school in Mass city and graduated in 1955. Following graduation, he worked in the woods, in construction, and joined the Army from 1960 – 1962, serving in Berlin, Germany.

He was a member of and worked as a construction carpenter for the Michigan Carpenters’ Union, retiring in 1994.

On July 31, 1992, he married Donna Pawlowski of Baraga, and they moved to Mass City in 2000.

Wayne was an avid fisherman, partner in the Poor Eye Hunt Club, active member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City, Quarter Master for the East Branch VFW No. 4267, Ontonagon DAV volunteer van driver, and a member of the Thursday Night Men’s Bowling League in Baraga. He was a Detroit Tigers baseball fan, a Detroit Red Wings hockey fan and a good friend and visitor to many in the Mass City area.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Donna; children, Rick (Jacqueline) Niemi, Jennifer (Michael) Eacker and Liisa Lawrence; step-children, Tom Pawlowski, Jill (David) Riley, David (Nancy) Pawlowski and Kristine Pawlowski; ten grandchildren, Paige, Logan, Corey, Jaelyn, Eric, Sam, Tony, Donna Beth, Nikolas and Emma; two great grandchildren, Megan and Ava Grace; brother, Eino Niemi (Sharon Koski); sisters, Lois Burt, Bernice Huotari, and Judith (Peter) Hiltunen; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Darlene Ross; and step-son, Peter Pawlowski.

Burial Service and Military Rites will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 1 p.m. at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland.

Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon is assisting the family.