Sonja R. Niemi

Sonja Rita Niemi

Mass City, Michigan - Sonja Rita Niemi, 74, passed into her eternal heavenly home on October 5, 2023. Sonja is a hero to her family as she was a fighter and used her SISU to overcome various health issues over the years. The good Lord decided to take her home peacefully while she was surrounded by family on October 5.

Sonja was born on March 1, 1949, in Hancock, Michigan, to Matt and Helmi (Lukkari) Ahola. Sonja was raised on the family dairy farm which she held close to her heart and had fond memories. Sonja graduated in 1967 with the last class to graduate from the Mass High School. In 2017 she enjoyed participating with friends and classmates in their 50th class reunion which included riding the Mass Rocket float in the July 4th parade in Greenland, Michigan.

Sonja married her husband, Gerald Niemi in 1968 and was a loving and supportive mother to their two children, Rhonda, and Christopher. Sonja was very influential when Rhonda learned to play piano, and she was Christopher’s number one fan when he played baseball and football.

Sonja worked as a relief postmaster for the United States Postal System for several years. She enjoyed interacting with the public when she worked at the postal offices in Mass City, Greenland, Rockland, and Nisula. She is a member of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City and was their financial secretary for 15 years. Sonja loved spending time at their family cottage and riding the pontoon boat in Twin Lakes, Michigan. She had a special place in her heart for their family dogs, Shelby, and Wrangler.

Sonja is known as Nana, to her granddaughters Brittney and Sydney, whom she loved and spoiled very much. Sonja attended and supported them at many of their activities such as piano and dance recitals, volleyball and softball games, Sunday School pageants, and confirmations. Sonja traveled to Mackinac Island and Concordia University to watch her granddaughter perform in band concerts. These special memories will be cherished by family.

Sonja is survived by her husband: Gerald; children: Rhonda (Lou) Judge, and Christopher Niemi; granddaughters: Brittney and Sydney Judge; sister: Phyliss Gauthier; nieces: Peri Ann Gauthier Wasie, Michelle Gauthier Lee, and Jamie Ahola; Nephew: Derek Ahola; special cousins: Ronny and Nancy Staudinger; and many relatives from the Lukkari, Ahola and Niemi families.

Sonja was preceded in death by her parents: Matt and Helmi Ahola; brother: Harvey Ahola; Father and Mother-in law: Waino and Elma Niemi; sister in- law: Irene Marie McCormick; sister in-law: Carol Maki; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held October 28, 2023, with Pastor Mike Laakko at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City, Michigan. Visitation at 1030 am with service at 12:00 pm followed by luncheon and burial at Rousseau Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Sonja, can be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Sonja’s family would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Plema Hamzo Kurtovic for the care she provided Sonja and the support given to Gerald. The family is also grateful for the care provided to Sonja by the inpatient hospice care team at Theda Care in Appleton, Wisconsin.