Kenneth "Kenny" Niemi, age 76, of Callaway, MN, died on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kenny was born January 1, 1949, in Chisholm, MN, the son of John and Blanche (Rousu) Niemi.  Growing up, he attended school in Menahga, MN, and then graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN.  Following graduation, Kenny entered the workforce before enlisting in the United States Army in February of 1969.  He served overseas, mostly in Europe, particularly loving his time spent in Heidelberg, Germany, before his honorable discharge in February of 1971.

In 1972, Kenny lived and worked with his brother, Arnold, in Seattle, WA.  On September 28, 1972, Kenneth was united in marriage to Donna Johnson Jahnke.  The couple made their home in the Callaway area and welcomed their daughter in 1973.  A few years later, the family moved to Hibbing, MN, where Kenny worked in the Taconite mines and they completed their family with the addition of three sons.  Kenny and Donna would return to the Callaway area where they built their home and raised their family.  Over the years, Kenny worked for himself, providing for his family.  He worked outdoors leeching, trapping, ricing, sagoing and maple syruping, a way of life he truly embraced.  Later in life, he also worked at the Shooting Star Casino as a blackjack dealer for several years until his retirement.

Kenny was an intelligent individual who would stand up for his beliefs and protect his family.  He was generous to a fault as he was always giving to others whenever he could.  He enjoyed all the outdoor activities, but deer hunting was his favorite.  Kenny also liked to read, play cards, especially pinochle, go to rummage sales and auctions and in his younger years play volleyball.  He was an intricate part of the Earth Games that were held each year in White Earth.  However, the things that meant the most to him weren't things at all but people…he loved his family, friends and neighbors.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him in return.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 52 years, Donna, of Callaway; one daughter, Monica Niemi; three sons: Christopher Niemi, Brooks Niemi and Jackie Niemi; two grandsons, Blake Niemi and Nathaniel Christianson; one great-grandson, Kane Niemi; a sister and brother-in-law, Ailene (Gary) Rosentreter of Georgia; and a brother, Donovan Niemi of Florida; in addition to several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche; grandparents, Ale and Emma Rousu and Esther and Jacob Niemi; and one brother, Arnold.

Blessed be the memory of Kenneth "Kenny" D. Niemi.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Callaway, MN.  A Time of Gathering will be held at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 5:00 -7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30 pm and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.