BRUCE CROSSING, Mich. - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our husband, dad, grandpa and best friend, William "Will Bill" Niemi, on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the age of 65.

Will was born on Dec. 10, 1960, in Bruce Crossing, above his grandparents’ restaurant, Bundy's. His parents were Bernard "Bundy" Niemi and Vivian Whisman. He graduated from the Ewen Trout Creek High School in 1979. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1983.

In 1984, Will moved to Minneapolis with Kelly Lehto. On Jan. 11, 1986, they were married. He worked at many different places, including Creamette Noodle Company, Lakeshore, Halvor Lines, and Big Valley. In 1993, he began working at the copper mine in White Pine. When it closed, Will moved his family out west to work in the mines in Nevada and Montana. He worked at Stillwater East Boulder mine in Montana for 18 years.

Will enjoyed camping, cooking, and was an avid Detroit Lions Fan. He probably wouldn't want you to know this, but he enjoyed watching the occasional Hallmark movie. He also liked to fish and hunt, and play cribbage with his late fathers-in-law.

Will had a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor. He would enjoy teasing his grandchildren, always asking them, "Do you know why I'm so good looking?"

Will was a proud father to his three daughters, Karlie (Ranger) Leischner of Miles City, Montana, Katie (Ryan) Hemming of Bruce Crossing, and Kassandra (Jake) Petrowitz of Missoula, Montana.

He had many memorable camping trips with his grandchildren, Ryley, Kayley, Keyley, Kyley, Zoey, Blaze, Lexie, Karrah, Avery, Jaxon and Kastyn.

Will was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Carl Nelson; and a sister, Cheryl Niemi.

Will is survived by his wife, Kelly; his daughters, Karlie, Katie and Kassandra; his grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Niemi Tomich; a brother, Rob "Hippie" Nelson; numerous nieces and nephews; and his only son, his dog, Bogey.

Once you had met Will, you never forgot him. He had a keen sense of humor and a rare personality. Our hearts are broken, however we are grateful for every moment we shared with him.

Will's life was not measured by the years he lived, but by the people he laughed with along the way. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, friends who will miss his humor and memories that will live on with every story told around the table. Until we meet again.

The family would like to thank the compassionate nurses at the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital Emergency Department, Rachel, Janelle, Andi and house supervisor, Suzan. Also, thank you to all the invaluable EMS personnel in Bruce Crossing and Ironwood.

The Celebration of Life is tentatively planned for Saturday, Sept. 5. Details will follow.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.