FREDERICK NIEMI

1938 - 2014

Frederick Charles Niemi, 76, died in his home Friday, November 7, 2014. Born on October 10, 1938, in Chicago IL, Fred was raised in Berwyn, IL and attended Morton High School where he played trumpet in the jazz band. Fred graduated with a history degree from the University of Illinois Champaign and later from the Chicago Kent College of Law. Fred operated a private law practice in Riverside, IL for over 40 years. A dedicated steward of his Finnish heritage, Fred served as the Honorary Consul of Finland for 34 years, spanning from 1974 to 2008. During his tenure as the Honorary Finnish Consul, his many years of service and dedication were recognized and he was awarded the decoration of the Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland. This designation is awarded for civilian and military merit. Fred's strong sense of civic duty was also exemplified by his involvement in local community charities and organizations. Fred served on the boards of the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce and the former Suomi College (now Finlandia University) and was a member of the Nordic Law Club. His strong desire to help others also led to board positions with the Fillmore Center for Mental Health and the Berwyn Kiwanis Club. Fred was an avid reader of history, an outdoorsman, a lover of music-notably Sibelius, Mahler, Stan Kenton, Coleman Hawkins, and Puccini, and a frequent traveler with journeys that took him to Finland, Russia, China, Sweden, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, the British Isles and Italy. He was under the impression he was a world-class sailor and boater - making sure his dents and dings were memorable ones. He only ran aground a few times, but his boating guests always knew there was a chance they would have to jump in the water to help free the boat. He was a self-taught grill master with best BBQ sauce-now our secret family recipe-that will be passed down for years to come. A perfect ending to his day was with a martini and cigar followed by a proper Finnish sauna. Fred is survived by his wife Cheryl, his son Richard Niemi and his wife Monica, his daughter Kristina Niemi and her husband Whit Switzer, and his daughters Paula Campbell and Courtney Campbell. He is also survived by five grandchildren Aiden, Anders, Adison, Alden, and Sophie as well as by his nephew Erik Pauls and Erik's son Nick, and nieces Stephanie Gift and Katie Niemi. Fred was preceded in death by his sister and brother. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St, Countryside, IL 60525. The Service will be held on Monday, November 10, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salolampi Foundation, P.O. Box 14480 Minneapolis, MN 55414-0480 or Horizon Hospice & Palliative Care, 833 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60642. Funeral Info: (708) 352-6500.