Ronald Allen Niemela

Ronald Niemela of Isanti, Minnesota went to a better life with Jesus on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Cambridge Minnesota at the age of 54 years, 3 months and 28 days. Ron courageously battled lung cancer for nearly a year before his earthly body could take no more. He was surrounded by family for his last days before his passing. Ronald Allen Niemela was born July 4, 1962 to Edwin and Sharon (Janke) Niemela in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They lived in Coon Rapids until 1973 when they moved to rural Isanti County and Ron made Isanti his home. Growing up Ron enjoyed spending time with his siblings: Tim, Jeanna, Renee and Shari. When he was young he loved the country…dirt bikes, fort building, BB guns and much more. Ron never cared a lot for school, so much so that he tried to get out of it as much as he could. He went to Isanti schools through the 10th grade and then he started his life long career of trades to make a living for himself. It seemed whatever Ron tried he excelled at. Everything from masonry, block tender, heavy equipment operator, drywall, painter, tile, remodeling, plumbing, laying carpet, mechanics, carpentry and lastly working for Pat’s small engine repair in Isanti which he enjoyed very much and took pride in his work. Ron not only excelled in his trades, but enjoyed many hobbies and he became good at those too. He loved to cook and experiment in the kitchen. His love of cooking led him to gardening and canning with his specialty being exotic hot peppers and plants! He loved plants and had a green thumb. He enjoyed woodworking, especially wood carving. In Ron’s last months he enjoyed spending time fishing and enjoying the absolute beauty of Horseshoe Lake. Ron is survived by his parents Ed and Sharon Niemela of Harris; siblings: Tim Niemela of Cambridge, Jeanna (Delray) Anderson of St. Francis, Renee (Brad) Reents of Isanti, Shari (Dan) Hartog of Ogilvie; nieces and nephews: Jennifer, Andrew, Bryant, Emily and Abby; many, many friends and his beloved dog “Copper.” It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Ron being survived by a great group of friends. Ron had a second family within the people he met. If you met him you were probably his friend and he would always talk fondly about so many of you. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to: Isanti County DARE Program. For more information, please visit Facebook. Arrangements for Ronald Niemela of Isanti are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com