Elaine K. Niemi

Elaine Niemi, 77, formerly of Aurora, died Monday Dec. 7th, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids, MN after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's and Dementia. Elaine was born December 23rd, 1937 in Badger, MN to Conrad and Elma (Haaby) Overlee. She grew up in Ross, MN and attended Badger High School, graduating in 1955. After high school, she attended and graduated from Moorhead State College. Elaine was an elementary school teacher, spending her entire teaching career in the Aurora-Hoyt lakes school district, primarily as a 2nd Grade teacher. Elaine was united in marriage to her loving husband, John K. Niemi, on June 25th, 1960 in Badger, MN. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Aurora, the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as many other organizations. As a sports enthusiast, Elaine enjoyed bowling and golf. She was an original "hockey mom" following her family all across the northland to games and tournaments. It was rare to find her not tuned in to a baseball, hockey, or football game, especially if the Twins or Vikings were playing. New Year's Day was a special day, hosting Rose Bowl gatherings for family and friends. Elaine enjoyed her retirement wintering in the Florida sun with her husband, John. Elaine is survived by her children; Nancy (Jeff) Bourbonais of Maple Grove, John (Theresa) Niemi of Sauk Rapids, and Dave (Kay) Niemi of Elk River; grandchildren, Lauren (Jacob) Kaduk, Eric Niemi, Jennifer and Cora Bourbonais, and Paule Niemi, and step-grandchildren Cory and Hannah Warner; siblings Carol Erickson, Earl (Janet) Overlee and Maureen (Erv) Sarkela. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and brothers Calvin and Glenn Overlee. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 10th from 5-7 p.m. at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11th at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Aurora, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Barbara Hegfors will officiate. A lunch will follow. Burial will be at a later date in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.