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UPDATE: A graveside committal service foe Keith will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday May 21, 2026 at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock, section 4, with Pastor Brahm Semmler Smith of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church to officiate.
Keith D. Niemela, 69, of Hancock, former Executive Director of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at U.P. Health System-Marquette Hospital surrounded by family after a brief illness.
He was born on September 24, 1956 in Detroit to the late Marvin and Joan (Hall) Niemela. As the family moved to Hancock, Keith graduated from Hancock High School in 1974. He continued his education by graduating from Michigan Tech in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing, and in 2007 earning a second Bachelor’s Degree from MTU in Computer Network and System Administration.
He was first employed at Suomi College in Hancock from 1974 to 1978 as a Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor and Pool Director. He then became a sales representative for Hormel of Des Moines, IA before beginning a career at D&N Bank in Hancock from 1978 to 1990 holding positions of Supervisor of Office Services, Marketing Assistant, Field Marketing Representative, Marketing Product Manager, and Canal Run Race Director. From 1991 to 2003 he was the Executive Director of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. From 2007 to 2008 he worked for Roehl Trucking out of Marshfield, WI and from 2008 to present he was employed at Michigan Tech as Webcasting Director. He was also on the Houghton Country Chapter of American Red Cross Board of Directors.
On June 10, 1978 he was married to Pam Armstrong at Grace Lutheran Church of South Range, Michigan.
His interests and hobbies included camping in his youth, scuba diving, photography and videography, evening walks with his wife, fantasy football, and what he enjoyed most was being “Papa” and spending time with his precious little granddaughters.
Paraphrased from a recent conversation with his youngest son, Kevin, but he was heard saying similar over the years: “Well ya know the best thing I ever did in my life was you three boys. Careers and things I did were nice…but I’m proud of what you all have become.”
Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, John Niemela, and his maternal and Paternal Grandparents.
He is survived by his wife Pam Niemela; sons David (Sarah) Niemela 0f Hancock, Timothy (Krista) Niemela of Frisco, TX, and Kevin Niemela (Brandie Simmons) of Hancock; granddaughters Isla and Esme Niemela of Frisco, TX and Ruby and Gracie Niemela of Hancock; brother and sister-in-law, Evan (Deb) Armstrong of Hancock; and numerous cousins, aunts, an uncles.
Private family services were held at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock. A spring celebration of life and burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock will be announced later.
Memorials may directed to the Beacon House in Marquette, Michigan at https://upbeaconhouse.org/donate/.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
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