Robert Edward Niemela

A candle was lit by John Gierke on behalf of the Department of Geological & Mining Engineering & Sciences at Michigan Tech on June 7, 2017 3:02 PM

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I got to know Bob just a few years ago when I became the chair of the department tasked with returning the mining engineering program at Michigan Tech (still a work in progress). I appreciated Bob's support and vision. A number of our students benefited from his expertise in their senior project. I am sorry for your loss and for not to have a longer opportunity to tap Bob's wealth of expertise and creativity. May you find some comfort in knowing that he remained active in fostering students' professional development here throughout his entire professional career.

Message from South Africa

Ann & I
Only new Bob for a brief period, but he left a lasting impression on our lives.

Rest easy Bob.

Tony & Ann Christian

Message from Greensboro, North Carolina

Once in a lifetime you meet someone like Bob. My only regret is that I didn’t meet him sooner. He was an amazing man. Not only was he very funny but he was extremely kind. He was so proud of his children always telling me the things they did when we talked. He didn’t know the meaning of quit. He was so smart…. Did you know he crushed rock behind the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas? I was there and saw it.
Bob was my very dear friend and he will be sorely missed!
Perry Woods

Message from Mo Anton

Dana & Opie -- So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I have such fond memories of our lively discussions. He was a thinker and a doer. He will be missed. Take care.

Message from Walt Toepfer

Bob was not only a friend and fellow Mining Engineer, but he was a tireless promoter of Ontonagon County and visualized a better future for this area. He did this through his Chairmanship position in the OCRP, his work with Highland Copper, his own business, and many other venues. Bob will be missed by many of us. I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family on their (and our) loss.

Message from Yvonne Pulos

I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Bob has been a friend for years. He always had time for a smile and chat. My deepest sympathy to Dana and Opie.

A candle was lit by Yvonne Poulos on June 4, 2017 9:14 AM

A candle was lit by Jeff & Cathy Jacobs on June 3, 2017 4:17 PM

Message from John & Jean Pemberton

Our hearts and prayers go out to you at the sudden loss of your dad. We have warm memories of him when he'd contact John about filling in for Services at St. Paul with his friendliness and helpfulness with the microphone at church, etc. He will be missed! May God be with you as you 'let go' of your dad, knowing he's in a Heavenly place.

A candle was lit by Kaye and Steve Berman on June 2, 2017 6:57 PM

A candle was lit by Alexia Kroll on June 2, 2017 2:21 PM

Message from Kristi Kesti-Pieti

I worked with Bob on his Crusher while I was at Calumet Machine and I will miss his ingenuity along with his smile. This is still a great idea and I hope his idea will live and continue to grow to help all of us become greener while reusing waste. My sympathies to the family!

A candle was lit by Bill Anttila on June 1, 2017 11:48 AM

A candle was lit by Mary Ross on June 1, 2017 11:36 AM

A candle was lit by Michelin Culver and family on May 31, 2017 10:29 PM

A candle was lit by Kirk Schott on May 31, 2017 10:25 PM

A candle was lit by Nancy (Jake) Moll on May 31, 2017 9:48 PM

A candle was lit by Vikki James on May 31, 2017 9:16 PM

A candle was lit by Tony & Maxine Clark on May 31, 2017 7:18 PM

A candle was lit by Cindy Bear on May 31, 2017 11:24 AM

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I am so sad that my friend is gone. He and I were good friends and always enjoyed seeing each other at church on Sunday mornings. I will always feel a sadness when I attend services.

My deepest sympathy to his family...

A candle was lit by Jim and Gina White on May 31, 2017 11:19 AM

A candle was lit by David & Kay White on May 31, 2017 10:33 AM

A candle was lit by Kathy Hansen on May 31, 2017 8:46 AM

A candle was lit by Gary Koistinen and Heidi Held on May 31, 2017 7:03 AM

A candle was lit by Jerry and Julie Domitrovich on May 30, 2017 7:35 PM

Message from Bob and Judy Riwcliffe

Dana - Opie - Nancy and family - Our hearts are with you all💜You are all in our thoughts and prayers. He was such a special part of our lives and we will miss him. Love ya....

A candle was lit by Bob & Judy Rowcliffe on May 30, 2017 7:02 PM

A candle was lit by Nancy and Bob Tomlinson on May 30, 2017 6:54 PM