Joe Niemi

Joe R. Niemi passed from this life to eternity on March 24, 2025. Joe lived and died on his terms, and to the final minute had a grit that refused to even acknowledge how hard the final days really were for him. He gave every single medical professional complete heck in his 18-hour hospital stay, demanding Skoal, toothpicks, and removal of all those wires and cords. He tried to talk his daughter into an escape plan, and upon acceptance of his plight, enjoyed ice cream one last time – of course, against the doctor's orders.

Born on April 30, 1945, to Hans and Helen Niemi, Joe lived a life of daily hard work on the family ranch southeast of Roberts. Joe and his faithful patient wife, Kathleen, raised 4 children (Jenn, Rusty, Becky, and Annie) on the land, affording them a lifestyle that can never be matched. Through this upbringing, his kids have a deep love for the land, green grass, good cattle, faithful dogs, and all things related to country life.

Joe served in the Marine Corp Reserves after high school beside a number of young men from the Roberts and Bridger areas, of whom he maintained friendships with thru the years. Once he became a father, Joe served on the Roberts School Board for well over 2 decades where he was well-respected - as his focus was always what was best for the kids. The relationships he formed through those years lived on beyond his service, as is evident in the many people who have graced the door of the family home to offer support to the family since his passing.

Joe's grit and determination built a top-notch cow herd and large ranch operation that he was so very proud of – with the help of his son, Rusty, who has faithfully worked beside Joe every single day; the calves that were shipped each year off the Niemi ranch had a reputation for topping the local market. Joe was a cow man- thru and thru- and in the course of his life he leased many area farms and ranches to build an operation that was always fast paced, and always growing. Calving, branding, and haying seasons marked the year for him. Not one to take a day off for anything – not even to the final day of his life where he fed cows beside Rusty and took care of his companions “Scooter and Toby”- he had an incredible determination that is hard for most to comprehend.

Joe's faithful companions were his stock dogs: Blu, Scooter, and Toby. Kathleen joked that he loved the dogs more than anything else. He also loved a good cow horse, and in his early years enjoyed using horses for much of the ranch work. His horse, Poncho, was his “once in a lifetime” favorite horse, who lived to 33 years old. In his later years, the happiest days for Joe were spent in his side-by-side, ranch dogs beside him, checking on the status of the grass and water on Elbow Creek.

In 2003, Joe tragically lost his oldest daughter and young grandson. This loss deeply affected the whole family, perhaps being a deeper loss for Joe than many realized; there was never a day Joe didn't think about that. The family takes comfort in knowing that not only is Pop no longer suffering with declining health, but he has also joined Jenn and Levi – being received into heaven thru faith in Jesus Christ.

The family wishes to extend the deepest gratitude to “Doc Fouts” who respected Joe's wishes to the very end and was a faithful friend to Joe and his wife, Kathleen. Intermountain Health (“St. V's”, according to Joe) Cardiac Staff were heroic and unbelievably determined to save Joe's life at the finish line. There has never been a group of people work harder and longer as Joe passed from death on earth to life in heaven.

Joe was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenny, and grandson, Levi. Joe was survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathleen of Roberts, son Rusty (Leah) of Roberts, daughter Becky (Dean) of Mud Butte, SD, and daughter Annie (Kevin) of Columbus, MT, 10 grandchildren (Tay, Ty, Avery (Garrett), Rylan, Kimberly, Hattie, Kendra, Faith, Zane, and Mercy), 3 great-grandchildren (Banner, Roslyn, and Sylvie).

Memorial services will be sometime toward the end of May - after green grass comes and calving is over.

Tributes:

In being the wife of Joe Niemi, I experienced so many different adventures and phases of life. Joe and I married early. We started ranching right away, raised 4 wonderful children and had many grandchildren. I would not trade 1 day for all we went through and all we learned together. I will see you on the other side. All my love-Kathleen.

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Dad, You are the last of the “Elbow Creek Men” as I called your group that I grew up around. Working cows and plowing snow was all you guys ever did, or something pretty close to it. Summarizing in a few paragraphs can't do justice to what you were capable of and did, over and over. Getting tired was not something that you did, go home when we're done; and this I got the gist of young. Thank You. “Never apologize for taking something that is yours”, another of one your quotes. Hard to understand…harder to get along with, YES; but that's the way you did it. “We'll do it tomorrow…time to quit, so it was”. Respect. See ya when I do. -RW

Pop, Joe…There are many things I thank you for…but most of all, thank you for accepting me and my family into your life and sharing it with us. I love you Pop; and I will forever hear you say, “Bye, Girl.” -Love, Leah

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“Our Pop was tough as nails, but his grandkids and great grandkids always held a soft spot in his heart, no matter how big or small. I'll never forget the way my son was always so drawn to him. He loved tapping on his boots when Joe walked through the door and would gaze up at him in his cowboy hat. I think even then he knew he was in the company of a legendary rancher.” Love Taylor & Banner

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Pop. Thank you for sharing your love for the hills and cows with me, for teaching me something new every day, and for showing me how “rich” you really can be. Thank you for all our adventures and your stories. Love you forever. Love Avery

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“Pop touched my life by showing me to slow down and appreciate what you have and what you've worked for. He always took time to talk to me and have a conversation about what was going on in my life -Love Ty

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Pop was, without a doubt, one of the toughest men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He was strong, steady, and full of quiet wisdom. I will forever be honored to call him my grandfather. – Love, Rylan

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Dad, As I look at our kids today, I know that there are traits from you in them. Hard working, integrity, grit…You taught me to be tough and love the land and animals. Thank you for always talking to me on the phone, and the wisdom to be patient and for loving us. You are healed and whole in heaven. -Love, Dean, Becky, Kimberly, Kendra, and Zane.

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Dad. Pop. There's not much left to say. Of all the things you could have given me, I'm thankful for the work ethic and determination – along with a love of cutting hay and good dogs. You are there now, in the land of eternal life - healed at last- I'm happy for you, to be free from a body and mind that could not keep going. There is peace on all sides. Nanna will always be cared for. Love you – Pete. (Kevin, Annie, Hattie, Faith, and Mercy)