Clara Mae (Wilkin) Niemi

Clara M. (Wilkin) Niemi, age 95, died Monday, March 4, 2019 in American Fork, Utah.  She was born October 6, 1923 in Hibbing, the daughter of  Benjamin and Liisa (Santa) Wilkin.  Clara graduated from Virginia High School and the Eveleth Vocational College with an LPN degree.  She married Matt Niemi December 25, 1940, and lived in Virginia until 2007 when she moved to Utah.  She worked as an LPN at the Virginia Regional Medical Center, and was a lifeguard and swimming instructor for various schools and organizations.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; a Girl Scout leader, den mother and active in the PTA.  Clara loved swimming, genealogy, cross word puzzles and reading mysteries.

Clara is survived by her children: Sandra (Bill) Morris, Bruce (Donna) Niemi, Cheryl (Dolan) Sorensen, Pamela (Ted) Elmer, Tim (Cathy) Niemi, Jerry (Judy) Niemi, Peter (Sherrie) Niemi, Susan (Bill) Dethloff, Mark Niemi, Beth (Jack) Seiber, Michael (Julie) Niemi, Barbara (Silviano) Gaona and Peggy (Todd) Johnson; nephew: Ben (Tania) Wilkin; niece: Jeannine (Michael) Nielsen; 42 grandchildren;  numerous Great and Great-great grandchildren; numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Matt Niemi, Sr.; son: Matt Niemi, Jr.; parents; brother: Ben Wilkin and two granddaughters.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 602 13th Street South in Virginia.  Bishop Coons will officiate.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Spring interment will take place at the Sandy Cemetery North.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.