Edwin Erick Niemela

Edwin E. Niemela, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, at home in Ogilvie, Minnesota.

Edwin Erick Niemela was born on May 18, 1939, at home in New York Mills, Minnesota, to Charles and Esther (Carlund) Niemela. Years later, while applying for Social Security benefits, he discovered that his birth certificate mistakenly listed his birth date as May 19, 1939. From then on, Edwin firmly believed his family should celebrate him both days.

Edwin grew up in a large family with ten siblings. He was the youngest son and the tenth of eleven children. When he was only 12 years old, his father died unexpectedly. Faced with that hardship, Edwin left school after the eighth grade to help support his family, demonstrating the sense of responsibility and dedication that would define his life.

At the age of 18, Edwin met and fell in love with Sharon, the woman who would become his lifelong partner. They married and shared nearly 60 years together before Sharon’s death in 2019. He deeply missed her and carried the loss of his beloved wife for the remainder of his life. Before her passing, Edwin and Sharon enjoyed escaping Minnesota winters by traveling south to warmer climates. After Sharon’s death, Edwin lived in Arizona full-time for a few years before returning to Minnesota to be closer to the family he cherished.

Edwin spent many years working as a heavy equipment operator through the Operating Engineers Union Local 49. He enjoyed operating a Ford backhoe. He especially took pride in owning and operating his own backhoe. He believed strongly in the value of hard work and passed that work ethic on to his children. Beyond his career, he loved tackling projects of every kind. He became skilled at refinishing antique furniture and developed a particular passion for restoring and refinishing pianos. Among his many accomplishments was the complete restoration of a baby grand piano. Whether repairing, rebuilding, or refinishing, Edwin found satisfaction in bringing new life to old treasures.

Family was at the center of Edwin’s life. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in their accomplishments and in the people they became. He especially treasured the visits from his family when they traveled to Arizona to spend time with him. During his final weeks, Edwin was grateful to be living with his daughter Shari and family, surrounded by love and care.

Edwin is survived by his daughters, Jeanna Anderson, Renee (Brad) Reents, and Shari (Dan) Hartog; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jessie) Pierce, Andrew (Ashley) Geis, Bryant (Kelsey) Geis, Emily and Abby Hartog; great-grandchildren, Erick and Jasmine Niemela, Warner and Otto Geis, and Kinsley Geis; sister, Anna (George) Becker; bonus daughter, Stacy Tyler. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon; his parents, Charles and Esther Niemela; his sons, Tim and Ron Niemela; sisters, Violet Bentilla, Eleanor Daines, Ruth Randall, Pearl Snabb, and Frances Snabb; and brothers, John, Arnold, Howard, and Raymond Niemela, son-in-law Delray Anderson.

The family extends special thanks to Hospice of the Valley (Arizona), St. Croix Hospice (Minnesota), Cremation Society of Minnesota, Stacy Tyler for giving her care, time and love in his last weeks, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Brunswick, Pastor Gary Guptill, music and sound by Katie Nelson and Dave Howe, all those who helped prepare and serve food, and for the emotional support of friends and family.