Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Brian John Kemppainen (age 39), born on August 2, 1982, from Charlotte, North Carolina of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Baraga, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away on August 21, 2021.
Brian is survived by his wife, Allison Rae Kemppainen, their two children, Oliver Dane Kemppainen (7 years-old) and Emilia Rae Kemppainen (4 years-old), his mother, Wanda Seppanen, and father, John (Shirley) Kemppainen. He is preceded in death by his sister, Candice Marie (Kemppainen) Rajala. Brian was a devoted husband and an exceptionally loving father. He enjoyed playing computer video games, wood working, spending time with his children, and recently found an interest in kayaking. Brian was an employee of the State of North Carolina Department of Labor, as a compliance safety and Hazmat inspector. Brian held a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northern Michigan University (2004). Brian served in the Michigan Army National Guard, where he served as a Combat Engineer for seven years.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the KBIC Zeba Hall, on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 2-4:00 p.m. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at 4 p.m. followed by a traditional Native American funeral, led by Paul Halverson with a feast to follow. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the surviving children here.
