Richard W. Niemi

Richard William Niemi, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Grayslake, Illinois, on Sunday, January 21. Rich was born in Waukegan on December 2, 1930, to William and Beatrice Niemi. He attended St. Bartholomew Grade School and graduated from Waukegan High School in 1948. He married Mary Jean McManaman on November 11, 1950.

From 1952-1954, Rich was in active service in the U.S. Army, eventually promoted to the rank of sergeant. While stationed in California and Fort Lewis, Washington, he worked as a mortarman as well as a cook and baker, honing the skills he acquired as a teen-aged baker apprentice at Shaulis Bakery. Upon discharge from the Army, Rich returned to work at Cyclone Fence Company until he joined the Waukegan Fire Department in 1957.

Rich rose through the ranks of the Fire Department—from Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief—until he was appointed Fire Chief in 1973, a position he held until 1979. He then continued his career at the Fire Department as a Captain, Shift Commander, and Deputy Chief until his retirement in October 1991 almost 34 years of service.  He implemented and oversaw many changes in the department during his long career; he was instrumental in starting the paramedic program, training and certifying his team, and in fire prevention

During his early years as a firefighter, Rich also developed his building skills working in the carpentry trade. He put these skills (and his talent) to use and built two homes over the years as his family grew.

Despite his long hours at work, Rich found the time to pursue his love of flying and earned his private pilot license. He also served his community in a myriad of ways: as a director of the Waukegan Municipal Employees Credit Union, president of the Mother of God School Board, American Red Cross Committeeman, and president and secretary of Lake County Fire Chiefs Association. He was an active volunteer with the Boy Scouts, Mother of God Parish, and Carmel High School.

Rich was, above everything else, a dedicated and giving husband, father, and grandfather.  Although he often reminded his grandchildren that his name was Grandpa Rich, not “Rich Grandpa”, he enriched us all with his love, talent, and sense of humor, not to mention the wonderful breads, cookies, long johns and poticas he blessed us with over the years.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Jean, who selflessly cared for him these past couple years. He also is survived by his children—Kathy (Regi) Starzyk, Rick (Dawn) Niemi, Kay (Greg) Giammario, Kris (Larry) Funke, and Kim

Shanner –15 grandchildren—Jill (Dean) Jeffe, Claire (Jeremy) Connelly,  Carrie (Matt) Pujol, Dana (Todd) Hendricks, Gavin, Brianna, and Spencer Niemi, Nick (Jackie) Giammario, Janelle (Kramer) Simmonds, Tanner (Alyssa) Funke, Tyler and Tamara Funke, Justine, Jenna and Jason Shanner—and 10 great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind his brothers Larry (Loreen) Niemi, Ralph (Mary Jo) Niemi and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Beatrice Niemi, and his daughter Karen Niemi Shank.

Visitation 9-11:30 AM Saturday January 27 at the Kristan Funeral Home PC 219 West Maple Ave. (2 blocks west of Rt. 45 on Rt. 176) Mundelein.  Funeral mass will follow at 12 PM (noon) at St. Mary of the Annunciation 22333 West Erhart Rd. Mundelein.  Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Mundelein.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls at www.mercyhome.org or  Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org .