Shirley Annette Niskala

Shirley A. Niskala, 84, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Shirley was born on February 13, 1932 in Winton to John and Mary (Arvola) Ranta. She attended Ely High School and was married to Russell Niskala on August 30, 1948.
Shirley, in her younger years, delivered milk for a local dairy and also worked in retail at Schultz Brothers Department Store.   After her children were grown, she enjoyed being an “Avon Lady” for over 20 years.   She also worked for the Grand Ely Lodge for several years.  Shirley enjoyed crocheting, sewing and making many kinds of arts and crafts. She had a special place in her heart for animals.
Shirley was a member of First Lutheran Church in Ely.   She sang with the Sweet Adelines and was a member of the Ladies of Kaleva and the American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her sons, Gary (Reenie), Gerald (Patty), and Bob (Donna) Niskala all of Ely and her daughter: Cindy (Clive) Mitchell of Houston, TX; nine grandchildren, Ashley (Jeremy) Harrigan of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Jamie (Randy) TenEyck of Eveleth, Tiffany (Justin) Zemke of Ely, Jeremy (Stefanie) Niskala of Morgan Hill, CA, Nicole (Jeremy) Engen of Ely, Kevin (Sarah) Niskala of Ely, Natalie (Clint) Tiffner of Blaine, MN, Linsey Mitchell and Ian (Jenna Manella) Mitchell of Houston, TX.
and twelve great-grandchildren: Maximus TenEyck, Jayden and Lindi Zemke, Audrey and Hayden Engen, Odin, Isla, Parker and Nolan Niskala and Graham, Emma and Emery Tiffner.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father John Ranta and her mother, Mary Pluth and step-father Tony Pluth.
two sisters: Genevieve ‘Gebo’ Puzel and LaVerne ‘Lovey’ Sjoberg.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Ely United Methodist Church with visitation being held at the church one hour prior to the service.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
 

 

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