Arlyss J. Niemi, 86

Arlyss J. Niemi, of Plover, passed away at home on May 4, 2023, at the age of 86.

Arlyss was born April 11, 1937 in Spirit, Wis.; daughter of Walfred and Violet (née Ahl) Dahl. There, she grew up on the family farm, the youngest of 11 children. Arlyss was musical, even at a young age. As a young girl, she sang on the radio with her sister. Her musical talents strengthened as she grew, going on to play the organ by ear.

As a young woman, Arlyss met Kenneth “Ken” Niemi, and the two quickly fell in love. She married Ken, her one true love, on May 28, 1955, and enjoyed 47 years of marriage until Ken’s passing in 2002. In those years, Arlyss was a homemaker, caring for their four sons.

In addition, she used her talents as a seamstress to make some extra income; offering sewing, alterations, and making curtains. She even sewed a red vest for Lee S. Dreyfuss. Arlyss also used those talents to help those in need; she was very involved in the Dorcus Circle at St. Paul Lutheran Church, making countless quilts for baptisms and relief efforts.

While Arlyss was very skilled at sewing, she also greatly enjoyed it! She also enjoyed playing cards, listening to Country music, watching a good Polka show, and puzzles. Her greatest puzzle accomplishment was a puzzle the size of a billiard table. Most notably, she had a deep love of stock car racing. When she was younger, she lovingly watched her brother race against her then-future husband, Ken. In time, she proudly watched and cheered for her grandson, who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps.

Above all, Arlyss loved her family; her ability to gently keep the family together was admirable and her skills as a homemaker were top notch; always keeping a tidy home, even after just preparing a large, delicious meal. Additionally, her love of family extended to her many feline “fur babies” over the years. Arlyss will be affectionately remembered as a quiet and kind soul; despite her stubbornness, which she playfully blamed on her Swedish heritage.

Arlyss is survived by her four sons, Bruce (Kathy), Rick (Kaye), Jeff, and Charles “Chuck” (Maxine), all from Stevens Point and Plover areas; six grandchildren, Nathan, Sara, Blake, Wade, Eric (Jenna), and Clay (Amanda); three step-grandchildren, Cody, Shanna, and Brittany; and three great-grandchildren, Jonah, Kenley, and Cora. She is further survived by a sister, Loretta Soderstrom of Shawano.

Arlyss was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; her brothers, William, Stanley, Harold, Robert, and Roger Dahl; and sisters, Eileen Nelson, Stel Carlson, Vivian Berg, and Betty Komarek.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Beth Wroblewski for the exceptional care given to Arlyss in her final months.

For those wishing to express their sympathy, in lieu of flowers the family kindly requests a donation towards a memorial to be established at a later date.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1919 Wyatt Ave., Stevens Point. Pastor Steve Hulke will officiate.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Shuda Plover Funeral Home, 2400 Plover Rd., Plover; and again on Thursday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.