Rafael T. Niemi, of Ontonagon, passed away on June 20, 2010 at the Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.

He was born in Ontonagon, Michigan on September 21, 1922, to Thomas and Ida {Putula} Niemi.

Ray graduated from the Ontonagon High School in 1942. Following graduation, he was drafted into the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1945. On June 13, 1953, he was joined in marriage to Mary Stimac. Together, they had 6 wonderful children. He was a union electrician for 40 years. Throughout his many years he enjoyed activities such as hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, trapping, music and tinkering in the garage. He also loved to tell jokes and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Mary of 57 years, children Ann (Mike) Mogan, Geri (Mike) Crawford, Mary (Larry) Hamm, Robert (Harry) Niemi, Teresa (Keith) Hawkins, David (Jean) Niemi, grandchildren Brian (Leone) Mogan, Jason (Jessica) Bentley, Philip Hamm, Lisa (Tim) Schuck, Melissa (Tom) Picotte, Rachel (with fiance Donnie Negro) Hamm, Joe Anderson, Lindsey (Ashley) Hamm, Alexa and Owen Niemi, great-grandchildren Morgan, Brian Jr, Logan, Emma, Dominique, Conner, Jeremiah, Jake, Gannon, Isabella and 1 sister Elvie (Robert) DeBard,

He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Ida Niemi, brothers Otto, Bill, and Enslum Niemi, sister Dixie Byrnes and grandson Patrick Mogan.

The Cane Funeral Home will be open for visitation on Wednesday, June 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rosary services will take place at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 24th at 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon, Father Michael Jacobus celebrant. Burial will be in the Holy Family Cemetery in Ontonagon with military rites preformed by the Ontonagon County Veteran's Association.

Ray's obituary may be read and condolences left at canefuneralhome.com.