In the spring of 1952, Russell and Shirley (Ranta) Niskala welcomed their new born son, Robert William Niskala into the world. Born on April 5 in Winton, Bob was raised in Ely along with his three siblings in a loving family very proud of their Finnish heritage. His father Russ was a WWII veteran having served as U.S Marine until 1947.
Known by his friends as “Nisky,” Bob’s childhood was spent mainly in the great outdoors fishing and hunting with his father, friends and family. He attended Ely schools throughout his school years graduating from Ely Memorial High School in 1970.
With the fighting in Vietnam still raging, Bob followed in his father’s footstep and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
At the age of 18, Bob left Ely to proudly serve in the Vietnam war with a US Marine Corps Infantry battalion as a Machine Gunner. His service to our country went on to inspire his life-time passion for all things military and service to veterans.
After his combat tour in Vietnam, Bob returned to his beloved Ely and like his father, went to work in the mines as a millwright apprentice at U.S. Steel in Virgina. It wasn’t long after that he began dating and married his wife Donna in 1976. Then starting their lives together and raising three children in Ely for the next 45 years.
Bob’s mining career moved on to work at Reserve Mining for a short time and then, on to Inland Steel Mine in Virginia where he spent the greater part of his career. Retiring from Inland Steel after more than 30 years.
Bob was an active member of the VFW Post 2717, serving as Commander for three terms, and held other various positions within the VFW organization. He was also a member of the Ely American Legion Post 248 and played a key role in the opening of the Ely Veterans on the Lake Resort.
One of Nisky’s proudest and favorite events each year was his annual veterans fishing trip. He loved and looked forward to this outdoor activity, the camaraderie and joy it provided for his fellow veterans each year.
Always committed to serving veterans and their families, Bob led the Ely Honor Guard for more than 40 years. Bob spent countless hours coordinating events for Memorial Day Services, parades, especially calling cadence in the Fourth of July parade, the Marine Corps Birthday, and private family funeral services.
Having known the deep commitment and sacrifice in his own military service, Bob remained very proud and thankful of his fellow veterans for their own dedication and commitment to our country. He was always quick to act in providing help and service to veterans whenever and wherever it was needed.
Along with many others, Bob also played an instrumental role in the creation of the Ely Veterans Memorial, all which made him very proud.
Bob was a well-known and very active member of the Ely community and sincerely enjoyed extending a helping hand to anyone that needed it. Bob was very much a patriot, community leader, and a true gentleman. He continuously put others first and regularly visited people in the Ely nursing home. In the summer Bob loved spending time at the lake, fishing and boating. He was happiest opening the cabins in the spring, captaining the pontoon boat full of friends and family, and taking the first spring swim with the grandkids. Bob stayed busy all summer maintaining his favorite places. In the winter Bob enjoyed watching his grandsons play hockey and going on deer patrol to count and feed the deer with his brothers and friends.
Bob “Nisky” Niskala was taken from his beloved family, friends, veterans and community unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the age of 68. An outpouring of love and tribute to honor this veteran, community leader and son of Ely manifested itself as dozens of people lined the streets as Nisky made his final ride through downtown Ely, escorted by the Ely Police Department.
The Ely American Legion Post 248 proudly honors, remembers and pays tribute to the life and legacy of Bob “Nisky” Niskala for his service, patriotism and dedication to his country, veterans, community and family. We endeavor to carry on this same legacy of American values, service and patriotic traditions. Nisky Niskala will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow veterans and, the entire Ely community.
Robert “Bob” Niskala
