Karin Niemiec (nee Bruhmann), age 82, died peacefully surrounded by her family at home in Olympia, Washington, on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Karin was born December 10,1935, in Leverkusen, Germany to Friedrich Wilhelm Bruhmann and Luise Charlotte (nee Kessler). Her infectious and beautiful smile, love and devotion to family/friends made her a cherished gift. She married Francis E. Niemiec in 1956. As a mother of 5 children, Karin mastered the art of the military family, moving frequently as her husband served with the U.S. Army. She was the anchor for her family when they moved to the South Puget Sound area in 1976. Karin attended Westwood Baptist Church; volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission for many years; and took classes at Evergreen State College. She had a passion for the written word and was a successful book store manager in Olympia and Honolulu. Her life's travels took her to Asia, Africa,
Europe and Israel...but Hawaii was always her favorite place. Aloha!
She is survived by son, Colin J. Niemiec; daughter, Valerie K. Niemiec; son, Bryan F. Niemiec; daughter, Tracy Niemiec; grandchildren Tara, Leah, Chelsea, Rachel and Nathan; great-grandchildren Lillian, Elijah and Alyxzandra; sister, Astrid Reklaitis; brother, Klaus Bruhmann; nieces Ulrike, Leiti, Aldona, Sabine and Rhoda; nephews Ronald and Frank. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Francis E.
Niemiec; son Leslie P. Niemiec; sister, Doris McCambridge.
Burial will take place at Fort Worden Military Cemetery, Port Townsend, Washington on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Mills & Mills Funeral Home, Tumwater, Washington, are providing arrangements. The family would like to thank Karin's caregivers from FirstLight and Providence Home Health who helped to keep her at home and comfort her.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to CurePSP and the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.
A service of remembrance will be announced at a later date.
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