- Born on: February 12, 1925
- Departed on: January 21, 2019
- Resided in: Mt. Vernon, IA
Audrey Luverne Niemi
Audrey Niemi passed quietly in her sleep on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Mount Vernon, Iowa. She was 93 years old and had spent the last 11 months near family while recovering from bone fractures.
Audrey was born in International Falls, Minnesota to Peter William “Pete” and Helma Lydia (Ruska) Sterna on February 12, 1925. She would be their only child, sparking her desire for children of her own. Maurice Nugent became her step-father after Pete’s untimely death in 1933. She married Benhard Eugene Niemi on January 25, 1958. She was preceded in passing by daughter Barbara C. Tyman, her parents and step-father, step-sister Adeline Rudnick, and her husband, Ben, on August 26, 2000. She is survived by five children and step-children: Richard E. Niemi, South Bend, IN; Philip R. Niemi (Geri Corrigan), Cape Coral, FL; William J. Niemi (Lori Parrish), Mt. Vernon, IA; Nancy E. Lund (Rick), Helotes, TX and Carol A. Niemi, Houston, TX; three granddaughters: Elizabeth Lund (Ryan Hughes), Chicago, IL; Monica Niemi, Mt. Vernon, NY; Alison Jones (Brian), South Bend, IN and one grandson, Christopher Lund (Liz), Bryan-College Station, TX.
While raising a family, Audrey taught private piano lessons in the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Along with her husband, Ben, she was part of a vibrant community of music and arts education in the Borderland from the end of World War II into the 1970’s. The practice and appreciation of instrumental music was emphasized within the family, and hundreds of students’ lives were enriched through her musical instruction. Ben and Audrey practiced faithfully, played with various ensembles and performed as a cello and piano duo, less frequently as the years went by. A few rare recordings remain and are cherished.
She studied piano with Miss Patricia Lynch, graduated as valedictorian from Falls High School in 1943 and received a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music from Bemidji State University in 1971.
She was a member of Tuesday Musicale and the VFW Auxiliary. She sympathized with people who were having troubles and humanitarian causes. In addition to playing piano Audrey enjoyed movies, particularly about the World War II era, reading, pets, home design, playing cards and crossword puzzles. She would feel honored by any memoriam to the Falls Library, the VFW Auxiliary or the Salvation Army.
A family memorial service is planned. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls.
Audrey was born in International Falls, Minnesota to Peter William “Pete” and Helma Lydia (Ruska) Sterna on February 12, 1925. She would be their only child, sparking her desire for children of her own. Maurice Nugent became her step-father after Pete’s untimely death in 1933. She married Benhard Eugene Niemi on January 25, 1958. She was preceded in passing by daughter Barbara C. Tyman, her parents and step-father, step-sister Adeline Rudnick, and her husband, Ben, on August 26, 2000. She is survived by five children and step-children: Richard E. Niemi, South Bend, IN; Philip R. Niemi (Geri Corrigan), Cape Coral, FL; William J. Niemi (Lori Parrish), Mt. Vernon, IA; Nancy E. Lund (Rick), Helotes, TX and Carol A. Niemi, Houston, TX; three granddaughters: Elizabeth Lund (Ryan Hughes), Chicago, IL; Monica Niemi, Mt. Vernon, NY; Alison Jones (Brian), South Bend, IN and one grandson, Christopher Lund (Liz), Bryan-College Station, TX.
While raising a family, Audrey taught private piano lessons in the 1950’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s. Along with her husband, Ben, she was part of a vibrant community of music and arts education in the Borderland from the end of World War II into the 1970’s. The practice and appreciation of instrumental music was emphasized within the family, and hundreds of students’ lives were enriched through her musical instruction. Ben and Audrey practiced faithfully, played with various ensembles and performed as a cello and piano duo, less frequently as the years went by. A few rare recordings remain and are cherished.
She studied piano with Miss Patricia Lynch, graduated as valedictorian from Falls High School in 1943 and received a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music from Bemidji State University in 1971.
She was a member of Tuesday Musicale and the VFW Auxiliary. She sympathized with people who were having troubles and humanitarian causes. In addition to playing piano Audrey enjoyed movies, particularly about the World War II era, reading, pets, home design, playing cards and crossword puzzles. She would feel honored by any memoriam to the Falls Library, the VFW Auxiliary or the Salvation Army.
A family memorial service is planned. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls.
