Middle River - George C. Niemela, 80, died Monday, April 12, 1999 at his home in Middle River.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 16 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River with Pastor John Jorgensen officiating. Interment was in the Finnish Cemetery in Middle River. The Collins Funeral Home of Middle River was in charge of the arrangements.
George Calvin Niemela was born on April 10, 1919 near Middle River in Cedar township of Marshall county, the son of Herman and Maria (Vainionpaa) Niemela. He was baptized and confirmed at the Finnish Lutheran Church in Middle River and attended the Breese School near his home.
He was united in marriage to Lucille Anderson at Middle River and the couple lived and farmed in Spruce Valley township near Middle River. George also worked at Land 'O Lakes and Arctic Enterprises in Thief River Falls and at Keine Farms near Kennedy until retirement.
He was a member of the former Finnish Lutheran Church of Middle River and a current member of First Lutheran Church of Middle River. For the past several years he has resided at the Royal Manor Apartments in Middle River.
George is survived by two sons, Steven of Blaine and Kenneth (Deb) of Thief River Falls; two daughters, Arlene (Edward) Jagol of Thief River Falls and Nancy (Leonard) Olson of Strathcona; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald of Monticello; two sisters, Aune (Stilaf) Anderson of Northwood, IA and Mildred (Orville) Ness of Thief River Falls; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Ted, Alvar, Leonard and Wayne; and five sisters, Siama, Siiri, Suama, Signe and Sally. A00003B1999AR21