HUGO E. KEMPPAINEN's Obituary
HUGO E. KEMPPAINEN, 75, of Pelkie, MI., passed away Friday, July 7, 2006 at Marquette General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Mr. Kemppainen was born July 2, 1931 in Pelkie MI., son of the late Andrew and Anna (Tervo) Kemppainen. Hugo graduated from Baraga High School in 1949. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean conflict. On July 23,1960, he married the former Eva Saarinen in Alston. He was a lifetime resident of the area and operated a dairy farm until his retirement in 1976. Hugo had been an active member of the Baraga Fair Board and worked at the former Pelkie co-op store along with serving as a Pelkie volunteer fireman. He was also a member of Farm Bureau. Hugo was a member of the Pelkie Gospel Hall and was a faithful worker in church functions. He was a quiet, gentle man who provided inspiration and guidance to the youth of the area acting as a "grandfather" to those who knew him, teaching by example and experience. He enjoyed visiting with his many friends and was always available to lend a hand when needed. Hugo is survived by his loving wife Eva, sons Andrew (Donna) of Chassell, Patrick (Roxanne) of Sault Ste. Marie, Eric( Deanna) of Alston and daughters, Elizabeth (Chris) Gilbert of Oconomowoc WI. and Tina McKandes also of Oconomowoc, WI. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Jordan, Jacob, Hailey, Brandon, Kelsey, Michael and Madison and step-grandchildren and surrogate grandchildren not related by blood. Also surviving are brothers Harold (Merla) Kemppainen of Houghton, Ralph (Kay) Kemppainen of Colorado Springs, CO., sisters Dorothy (Oliver) Pelto of Farmington Hills, MI.and Clara (Paul) Nevela of Brainard, MN. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. Hugo was preceded in death by his son Michael, brothers Waino, Uno, Donald and sister Martha. Funeral services for Mr. Kemppainen were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with James McKendrick, officiant. The family received friends from 11 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral chapel on Tuesday. Family members served as casket bearers and interment took place in the Pelkie Cemetery. The family has entrusted the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with arrangements.
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