Evelyn Niemela, of Greenbush, MN, formerly of Middle River, MN, passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at the Lifecare Greenbush Manor in Greenbush, MN, at the age of 99.

A Memorial Service in honor of Evelyn will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 20, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, MN, with Rev. Kevin Hackney officiating.  Interment will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the memorial service on Friday at the church.

Evelyn Ornquist Niemela was born December 13, 1922 at Strathcona, Minnesota, the daughter of Nels and Christine Ornquist.  She was baptized and confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Strathcona.  She has been a member of First Lutheran Church in Middle River, Minnesota for many years.

Evelyn attended Middle River High School and graduated in 1940.  She then attended Teacher's Training in Thief River Falls and taught in rural schools in Roseau and Marshall Counties for five years.  She continued her education through summer sessions and off-campus classes until she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Bemidji State College in 1966.  She taught thirty-eight years in Greenbush, St. Hilaire, and Middle River elementary schools.

After retiring in 1979, Evelyn enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.  She liked reading, crossword puzzles, crafts and staying in touch with distant friends and family through letter writing and phone calls.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Alvar Niemela, two brothers Emil and Adolph and six sisters, Hildur Aaland, Nettie Lundquist Hoverud, Marie Mead,, Lylvon Clark Larson, Nellie Anderson Larson and Ruby Anderson.  She is survived by her daughter Susan (Leigh) Grindeland, two grandsons Steve and Sean and great grandchildren Logan and Skyler.  Also surviving are sister-in-law Mildred Ness and several nieces and nephews.