October 16, 1958 – January 16, 2020 Born in Highland Park, MI Resided in Wixom, Michigan
Age 61, Dear son of the late Norman (Louise). Dear brother of Sharon (Kyle) Smith and Sheila Laurila. Uncle of Brock, Corinne and Sean.
Douglas was a member of the Finn Camp and the Finnish Center Association. Douglas worked on our ice makers and had a camp across from the power house with pink flamingos. Douglas loved the state of Michigan and the outdoors, especially the Upper Peninsula. He spent his time Hunting and fishing. Visit Douglas Facebook.
There was a celebration of life at the Finnish Center, Farmington Hills, MI.
To plant a tree in memory of Douglas Laurila, please visit our Tribute Store.
Winterfest will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The day will start with the polar dip and ice fishing at Sun Lake from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. The Chili Cook-Off will begin at 6:00 pm. There will be music and raffles in the clubroom. You can drop off your chili entry at the clubroom kitchen between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Come one come all to the annual holiday extravaganza at the clubroom on Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. See handmade items from more than 20 local artists. Items including Finnish baked goods, hot or frozen pasties, piirakka, pulla, DoTerra essential oils, candles, fragrances, soaps, jewelry, scarves, upcycled wool mittens, clothing and accessories, pet collars and pet treats, artificial wreaths, garland, floral arrangements for indoors or outdoors and other various crafts.
Kirsti was born at home in Detroit Michigan, the only child of Frans Mattias and Saimi (Mikkola) Bucht. Her parents were recent immigrants from Sweden and Finland, who met each other in Detroit’s Woodrow Wilson area, where many similar Finnish-Americans lived. Like others, she grew up often visiting the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp in Wixom Michigan, where her father eventually built a cottage home. Kirsti met her future husband, Walter Niemi, at one of the Finn Camp’s regular Saturday-night dances. They were married in 1948. Kirsti and Walt had four children, who valued their Finnish heritage and continued involvement at Finn Camp.
Kirsti attended Commerce High School in Detroit and graduated from Wayne University (now Wayne State University). A stay-at-home Mom until her children were old enough to take care of themselves, she then began working to contribute financially to the family and helping her children to attend college. After working sales and clerical jobs, she passed the civil service exam to become social worker for the State of Michigan, attending to the needs of dependent children and senior citizens in Detroit.
A month away from her 93rd birthday, she died peacefully in her sleep, in her own home, of natural causes. She is survived by her four children: Karen Riley (husband Neil), Barbara Niemi, Steve Niemi, Dave Niemi (wife Kiya), and her grandchildren Matt Riley (wife Toni), and Lara Riley.
Kirsti was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, devoted to her family. She leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion for others with a strong attachment to her Finnish-Swedish roots. Kirsti’s smile will be missed by all who knew her. Rest in Peace.
