John E. 'Jack' Niemi

John E. Niemi, 63, of Wilkes-Barre passed away Friday after a courageous battle with cancer at Hospice Care of the VNA, Heritage House, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Grand Marais, Mich., Jack was the son of the late Alex and Margarite Niles Niemi. John retired as a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard after serving 30 years. After retiring, he worked as a manager for Ace Hardware, Brigantine, N.J., and, most recently, as a salesperson for Petro's Hardware, Jenkins Township. Surviving are his wife of nine years, the former Judith Steve; daughter, Lisa Niemi, Marmora, NJ; son, Kevin Niemi, Downingtown, PA; stepdaughter, Kim Cochrane, Dumfries, VA.; stepson, Keith Upschulte, Kansas City, MO.; brother, Robert Niemi and his wife Ruth, Newberry, MI; grandchildren, Tyler (Niemi) Carroll and Tyler Cochrane; father-in-law, Joseph Steve, Exeter, Pa; sisters-in-law, Joann and her husband, Richard Harding, Brick, NJ; Helene Steve, Scranton, PA; brother-in-law, John Steve, Wyoming, PA. The funeral were held Monday at 9 from Gubbiotti Funeral Home, 1030 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, with services at 9:30 in St. Cecilia's Church, Exeter. Interment was in the parish cemetery, Exeter. Donations may be made to St. Cecilia's Church, Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, or the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006.

07/23/07 Submitted by: Lisa Niemi lovebeingtylersmom@yahoo.com

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