Marvin Niemi

Marvin Niemi, 84, of Cloquet died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Lighthouse of Cloquet Assisted Living. He was born July 29, 1926 in Brookston to Matti and Hilda Niemi. In the early 1940's he moved to Ilwaco, Wash. to work in the Oyster Dredges. He enlisted in the Air Force serving his country during WWII. After the war, he returned home and pursued his music career playing the accordion. He played with the Walter Maki Trio and Johnny's Hot Shots before starting his own group, Marv N's Trio. In addition to playing the accordion, Marvin worked at Potlatch from 1954 until retiring in 1982. In Sept. of 1950 he married Alice Mathison Martini and they made their home in Cloquet. Alice died in 1992. Marvin married Beverly Malone in 1993 and she also preceded him in death in 2006. Marvin had a deep love for Jesus Christ his savior and was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton and attended Grace Lutheran Church in Hermantown. He was a member of the Potlatch Quarter Century Club and the Duluth Musicians Union. He enjoyed woodcarving, Bob Ross Painting, playing 3/13 with his sisters, Mae and Grace. He played his accordion at most of the Cloquet and Duluth Nursing Homes on a regular basis. Marvin was preceded in death by his two wives; his daughter-in-law, Kim Niemi; brothers Matt, Elmer, Ilmer, and Toivo; sisters Tyne Niemi, Olga Lahti, and Ina Kellman; and his two beloved schnauzers, Homer and Snick-L-Fritz. He is survived by four sons, Errol Niemi of Hermantown, Ronald (Helen) Martini of Maple Grove, Rollin (Sylvia) Martini of Cloquet, and Rodney (Sharon) Martini of Buffalo Grove, IL.; sisters, Grace Rose and Mae Abramowski both of Cloquet; 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Memorial Services were held on Friday, August 13, 2010 in Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton. Inurnment was in Hillside Cemetery in Carlton. Military Honors were accorded by the Carlton VFW Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Marvin Niemi Memorial Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet.