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Devin Saima Tepsa, age 89, formerly of Calumet, passed away on August 25, 2017 at the Franklin House in Portage Point where she had been a resident since 2011.
The former Devin LaFore was born to George LaFore and Saima (Koivenen) LaFore on July 3, 1928 in Detroit.
Devin always enjoyed sharing stories of her younger years. Her strength started as a teenage by traveling alone to the Upper Peninsula from Detroit to live with and take care of her Grandfather who could not speak English. In Fulton she met her lifelong friend June Luokkanen (Lahti). They attended the Mohawk schools and went to work together at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Later, double dates with June lead to Devin’s marriage to Ernest Tepsa on September 12, 1947.
Together Devin and Ernest had three children, Linda, Judy and Ernie. Devin was always proud of having her son later in life, which was a blessing to have him help her around the house as her husband preceded her in death in 1985.
While a homemaker, Devin enjoyed her free time quilting and sewing. She was a member of the South Range Apostolic Lutheran Church. She became a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Also preceding her in death were her parents, brother George LaFore, and a grandchild Pam, also both daughters Linda Meneguzzo and Judy Martin.
Surviving are: Son, Ernie Tepsa of Calumet, MI; Daughter-in-law, Dede Collins of Watford City, ND; Son-in-law Jim Meneguzzo of Calumet. 11 grandchildren: Kyle, Travis, Evan, Dede, Scott, Terry, Robin, Susan, Billy, Amy, and Jenny. Numerous great-grandchildren. Brothers: Chuck LaFore of Bootjack and Jack LaFore of Milwaukee. Sister: Katie (Fred) Gaabo of Mohawk. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will take place at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 11:00 PM with Pastor Chuck Bylkas to officiate.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home the night prior to service on Friday, September 1, 2017 from 5:00-8:00 PM.
Burial will take place in the Calvary Cemetery in Ahmeek.
Online condolences may be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with arrangements.
