Joan Agnes Niemela
HANCOCK — Joan Agnes Niemela, 86, died peacefully on October 19, 2020, at Canal View in Hancock, where she had been a resident for the past few years.
Joan was born on November 3, 1933, in Detroit the only child to William and Ingrid Hall. She attended Detroit schools and earned her degree as an RN, working in the Detroit area hospitals.
On June 5, 1954, she married Marvin Niemela. He preceded her in death in 1992. They had two sons, John and Keith.
The family moved to Hancock in 1969 where Joan would become one of the area’s best-known cake decorators. With her special family recipes, she provided delicious and beautiful cakes to countless occasions for birthdays, weddings and graduations in the community. Joan also had “Joan’s Knit Shop” using her knitting machines to make custom orders for hats, scarves, and blankets.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Marvin, and her son, John. Joan is survived by her son, Keith (Pam) of Hancock, grandsons, David, of Hancock, Tim (Krista) of McKinney, Texas, and Kevin of Hancock. Before the coronavirus restrictions, the family said their heartfelt goodbyes.
The family would like to thank the staff of Canal View Houghton County and UP Health System Home Care and Hospice Portage for their professional and affectionate care.
Due to the COVID-19 concerns, a private service will be held at a later date.
To view Joan’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.