Raymond Arthur Kemppainen

Raymond Kemppainen Sr., age 85 of Baraga, MI passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at his home.

He was born May 10, 1931 in Keweenaw Bay, MI son of Erick and Alma (Hilberg) Kemppainen. Ray was in the US Army from 1952-53 and then the Army Reserve until 1960. He married the former Patricia Emery on January 23, 1954 in Zeba, MI.

They resided in the Chicago area where he worked as a carpenter for the Chicago District Council of Carpenter Union. He helped construct many of the large building downtown Chicago. He was a former worshipful master of the Masonic Lodge #1090 in Chicago.

In 1992 they moved to Zeba and he worked as a house inspector. In 2002 they moved to Baraga. He enjoyed going to the casino, out to eat, and to the movies. Ray was also an avid deer hunter. He loved to work with his hands doing construction work for family and friends, fixing vehicles among many other interests.

Surviving are his children Michael (Anita) Kemppainen of Lawrence, KS, Lorrie (Donald) Horst of Rockford, IL, Catherine (Ambrose) Shepherd of Albert Lea, MN; daughters-in-law Pam Kemppainen of Chicago, IL, Melinda Kemppainen of Lawrence, KS, Sheena Kemppainen of MI; siblings; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and a special friend, Helen “Toots” Stein of L’Anse.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Patricia; children, Raymond Jr., Erick, Mark, Craig, and Rodney.

Ray’s funeral service will be on Saturday, October 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in L’Anse with Rev. John Ansell officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Burial will be in the Keweenaw Bay Cemetery at 1:15 p.m. with Baraga County Area Veterans conducting military rites under the direction of the American Legion Post #444. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friends may sign Ray’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com .

---