Linda Marie (Blakely) Niemi

Linda Marie (Blakely) Niemi

Born: Sat., Feb. 14, 1948

Died: Mon., Feb. 15, 2016

Visitation

7:00 PM Wed., Feb. 17, 2016

Location: New Mission Community Center

Traditional Native Service

2:00 PM Fri., Feb. 19, 2016

Location: New Mission Community Center

Linda "Linda B" Marie Niemi, 68, of Menahga Minnesota and the Eagle Clan began her spiritual journey on February 15th, 2016 from the Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Linda was born in Park Rapids, Minnesota on February 14th, 1948, the daughter of Simon and Rachel (Sailor) Blakely, Sr.

Linda liked sewing and beading and was a well-known and respected woman who came highly recommended to the dancers of powwows for her hand made regalia's. She loved making baby star quilts and sewing things for herself and her family. Linda attended Bemidji State University for three years toward her teaching degree but was unable to complete her degree because injuries she sustained in a severe car accident in the spring of 1979. Linda did try to finish her degree after she recovered but was unable to because the campus was not handicap accessible and getting around campus was just too difficult for her. She continued on with her desire to help children by becoming a substitute teacher and a special education teaching assistant at the Frank White Elementary School for many years. Linda enjoyed going to powwows, was one hell of a deer hunter and often showed up her male hunting partners. Linda loved to travel with her husband Dale, especially in the southwestern states. The Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque was one of their favorite places to go. Linda was always being spoiled by Dale and she loved it. She will be dearly missed by many.

Family that Linda joins are her parents; Simon Sr. and Rachel, infant son, Duane Todd Blakely, brothers; Norman, Simon Jr. and Phillip Blakely, sister; Betty Blakely, grandparents; Simon and Mary Sailor, many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband of 25 years, Dale Niemi of Menahga, son; Donovan (Trilla Olson) Blakely of Park Rapids, daughters; Pamela Blakely of Detroit Laks and Lisa (Donovan Basswood) Blakely of Pine Point, grandchildren; Paul, Richard, Vanessa, Jeremy, Miranda, Twani, Allison, Derek and Timothy, great grandchildren; Dimetrius, Jeremy Jr., Niiwii, Ava, Ellianna, Kyresse, Payten, Hailey, Richard Jr., Curtis and Leighton, other relatives and many friends.

A wake for Linda will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 17th and continue until her 2:00 p.m. traditional service on Friday, February 19th all being held at the New Mission Community Center in Cass Lake. Allen Hardy will be her spiritual leader. Pallbearers for Linda will be Melvin Goodman, Jon Kamrowski, Terry O'Connor, Stacey Smith, Kenneth TeJohn and Gary Niemi. Her honorary pallbearers are all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Interment will be in the Chippewa Bible Church Cemetery at Oak Point following her Friday service.

Linda's care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. Online condolences for the family may be left at http://www.northernpeace.com