Irene Esther Niemi

Irene Esther Niemi, 87, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Irene was born on October 30, 1932, the daughter of Theodore and Dorothy (Beeman) Bakken. She was raised on the family farm in Ottertail County. Irene was united in marriage to Ale Niemi on November 18, 1950 in Ponsford, Minnesota. They made their home in Duluth for a short time before returning to the Snellman area. Ale began employment with the Boy Scouts of America in June of 1953 as a Camp Ranger at Many Point Scout Camp and retired in February of 1987. Irene also worked at the camp during this time. She would always have a smile, a bar, and a cup of coffee ready for any visitors at the camp. Irene enjoyed snowmobiling, deer hunting, fishing and especially her kitchen. She also enjoyed taking a ride in the car with Ale to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. She liked to play cards at Wolf Lake until her health made it difficult to go. Deeply loved, Irene’s passing will be mourned by her four children, Elmer (Renae) Niemi of Breckenridge, MN, John (Laurel) Niemi of Detroit Lakes, MN, Olga Niemi of Detroit Lakes, MN, Larry (Gail) Niemi of Mahnomen, MN, ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Louise Anderson of Austin, MN, Betty Haas of Seattle, WA, and Raymond Bakken of Waubun, MN. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Ale; her parents, three brothers Butch, Stanley and Benjamin Bakken. The family would like you to join them for a Graveside Service at Pickerel Lake Cemetery in Wolf Lake Township at 2 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2020, but please stay in your vehicle during the service. Please meet at 1pm at West-Kjos Funeral Home to follow in procession to the cemetery. Cards can be mailed to West-Kjos Funeral Home to be given to the family. Any memorials given to the family will be donated to the Fishing Outpost at Many Point Scout Camp.