Obituary: Paul A. Kemppainen

Salo Location

Paul A. Kemppainen, 71, a resident of Salo, passed away suddenly Friday evening June 29, 2018.

He was born on August 29, 1946, in Hancock, a son of the late Eino and Esther (Maki) Kemppainen. Paul was a graduate of Hancock High School, class of 1964. He attended Suomi College, Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University, and was a graduate of the New York Institute of Photography.

Mr. Kemppainen was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam era.

On July 11, 1986, he was united in marriage to the former Ann Makinen.

Paul began his photographic career while still in high school and continued it throughout his college and military years. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned home, eventually owning and operating Professionals in Photography (now Brockway Photography) for twenty-five years on Shelden Avenue in Houghton. Hanging up his camera, Paul then worked in Disaster Services for the local chapter of the American Red Cross, eventually becoming Disaster Coordinator for the six counties of the western UP.

A ham radio operator, Paul (KC8FLK), was a member and past officer of the CCRAA and a member of the KCRA. Paul was also a member of the William Giroux Post #90 American Legion of Lake Linden and a life member of the Copper Country Elks Lodge #404, where he also served ten years as a trustee.

Paul was the longest serving Supervisor of Hancock Township, first elected in 1980 and serving continuously until his death. He also spent 32 years as the Hancock Township Assessor.

Surviving are:
His wife Ann Kemppainen of Salo
His siblings:
Estelle (Tom) Halborg of Iron Mountain, MI
Gloria (Ron) Case of Ponte Vedra Brach, FL
Carol (Don) Carli of Hancock
Robert (Barbara) Kemppainen of Auburn, AL
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

As requested, a private memorial service for Paul will be held at a later time at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock with Rev. Bucky Beach to officiate. Burial will be in the Waasa Cemetery.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be directed to the Copper Country Humane Society or the Copper Country Elks Lodge #404 in memory of Paul Kemppainen.

To view Paul’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.