Art Niska

Arthur was born on September 6, 1938, in Red Eye Township, Wadena County, Minnesota the son of Stephen and Helmi (Tomperi) Niska. He graduated from Sebeka High School, and furthered his education at NDSU where he played basketball for the Bison. After completing college he moved to Sacramento, CA and worked for Aerojet General in the rocket testing division. On September 9, 1959, Arthur was united in marriage to Ruth Carl at St. Joseph Church in Salem, Oregon. After their marriage the couple resided in several locations on the west coast before moving back to Minnesota. Upon returning he was instrumental in starting the Glenwood Youth Hockey program. Art also coached youth hockey and baseball in Alexandria. In 1989, from modest beginnings, Art started Lakeland Manufacturing and grew it into a very successful business. Art?s hobbies included traveling, golfing, softball, coaching hockey, reading, playing cards and the Tractor Club. One of his greatest enjoyments in life was gathering his family together. One of Art?s true passions in life was farming. On Monday, November 24, he died doing what he loved, taking in the harvest. Art will always be remembered for his outgoing personality as he has touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all. Art is survived by his wife, Ruth; six children: Christopher (Michelle), Mark (Renee), Mary, Charlie (Susan) all of Alexandria, Andrea (Clark Linn) of Rogers, MN, Thomas (Angie) of Elk Mound, WI; ten grandchildren: Mike and Matt Linn, Christianna, Garret and Landon Niska, Dillon and Lauren Niska, Paige and Jackie Niska, Blake Niska; sisters: Marie (Steve Liimatta, Karen (Dave) Kohl, May (Kenneth) Sahr; brother, Elmer (Theone) Niska. Art was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Helen Dietz. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, November 29, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary?s Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Pallbearers were Doug Goth, LeRoy Samuelson, Greg Noland, Steve Liimatta, Eugene Carl, Jerry Elwood and Vern Skalisky. Burial was at Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.