Obituary: Earl B. Kaurala

As received from Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service:

Rev. Dr. Earl B. Kaurala, 80, of Marquette and former Houghton & Tapiola resident passed away Thursday, June 16, 2022, at the Marquette Hospital.

He was born on October 12, 1941, in Hancock, MI a son of the late Bruno and Ailia (Kipina) Kaurala. Earl was raised in Tapiola and was a graduate of the John A. Doelle Agricultural School in 1959. He attended Soumi College and received his bachelor’s degree in English from Wayne State University. Dr. Kaurala also received a master’s degree in reading and another in School Administration from Northern Michigan University. He received a Doctorate in Education from Western Michigan University.

On August 12, 1967, he was united in marriage to the former Helen Hill. The couple resided in Houghton where they raised their family.

Dr. Kaurala began his career in Education by teaching English at Doelle High School. He then taught English at Houghton High School and became the Houghton High School Principal in 1989 retiring in 1994. He then taught graduate-level courses at Northern Michigan University while helping to evaluate NMU charter schools.

Dr. Kaurala was an active ordained minister for the Apostolic Lutheran Church for over 40 years and served as Pastor of the Alston Apostolic Lutheran Church. He also served as President of the Apostolic Lutheran Church Federation Board. He was very proud to have gone on a mission trip to Africa with Bob Maki and to have been invited by Oxford University in England to participate in a round table discussion on education.

Dr. Kaurala enjoyed the outdoors, flower gardening, visiting with family and friends and traveling.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Douglas, and his sister Eunice.

Surviving are:
His wife: Helen Kaurala of Marquette
His children: Lisa (Bob) Tervonen of Ironwood
Matthew (Angie) Kaurala of Bessemer
Michael (Julee) Kaurala of Marquette
Kristina (Jerry) Reams of Pickney
Rebecca (Jon) Dickerson of Marquette
Elena (Bill) Garrow of Marquette
His grandchildren: Emma (Patrick Coleman), Erik (Kathleen Mieloszyk), Jacob, Amber, Benjamin, William, JJ, Noah, Riley, Evan, Andun, Jordan, Kaelen, Elizabeth & Chloe
His Brother: Paul (Jean Perala) Kaurala
Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Friends may call on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 12 noon until 2:00 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. A private graveside service for Earl will be held at a later time in the Elo Cemetery.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.