Onaway man remembered as a talented MIW employee
An Onaway man lost his life in a snowmobile accident last Saturday in Cheboygan County’s Koehler Township.
Trooper from the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post responded to a snowmobile accident that resulted in the death of Robert John (RJ) Niester, 45.
According to a state police press release, the accident happened at 8:45 p.m. No other details were provided.
Niester was a Moran Iron Works (MIW) welder since May 2013.
“He was just a great guy,” said MIW owner/founder Tom Moran. “He was a talent fabricator, welder, machinist. There was very little in the shop he could not handle, and had not mastered.
“He worked for us for a little less than a year, but he brought a lot to Moran Iron Works.”
Assisting with the investigation of the accident were officers from the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department and personnel from Indian River Life Support. “It is not currently known if alcohol was a factor in the accident,” the Jan. 11 press release states.
A memorial gathering was conducted Thursday at the Forest Township Community Hall in Tower. RJ is survived by his wife of 14 years, Patty, and two children.