As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Harold (Hal) Seppala, 88, of Houghton, died at Portage Pointe in Hancock, MI on February 24, 2025.
Hal was born to Arthur and Mayme (Hendrickson) Seppala in Chicago in 1936. The family moved to Chassell, where Hal graduated in 1954. He attended Michigan Tech, graduating in 1959 as a chemical engineer. He first worked for Monsanto in St. Louis, where he met and married Frances Glover. They moved to St. Paul, MN when he took a job with 3M. Jan, Amy and Jody were born to them.
In 1982, he married Kay Martin (Marttinen) of Ontonagon, whom he met in the Finnish American folk-dance group, Kisarit, in St Paul. Ben and Emily were born there. In 199,7 the four of them moved to Chassell, MI, back to Hal’s beloved Copper Country. Hal enjoyed his work in Research and Development at 3M, where he was named in multiple patents – his proudest achievement being on the patent for the Cool Flow Respirator, the valved face mask. During his time at 3M, he traveled several times to Michigan Tech as a recruiter.
During his retirement, Hal was an active volunteer at Michigan Tech in various areas, but especially through Career Services. He enjoyed encouraging students through mock interviews, resume reviews and as a judge for the Design Expo.
Hal was a follower of Jesus, a student of the Bible, a member of Evangel Community Church, an avid reader, cross country skier and Finnish folk dancer. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to people – especially about Jesus. The most important event in Hal’s life was when he became a born-again believer in his late 30’s. His favorite Bible verse is 2 Cor. 5:21: For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Hal was preceded in death by his first wife Fran; his siblings Janet Amato, Shirley Markstrom and Bill Seppala. He is survived by his wife Kay of 42 years, brother David (Mary Jo) Seppala, children Jan (Judy) Seppala, Amy (Tom) Kuhns, Jody Seppala (Ann Marie Hansen), Ben (Jennifer) Seppala, Emily (John) Kastamo and 9 beloved grandchildren: Julia and Brian Kuhns, Rachel and Carolyn Seppala, Anna and Grant Seppala, and Lilias, Soren and Dane Kastamo.
The family thanks the staff at Portage Pointe for their loving care this past year and a half. Hal had a green burial in the Chassell Cemetery. A memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family.
“I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom, but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.”
Quoted from Hal’s favorite hymn, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
Memorial donations in Hal’s name may be directed to Evangel Community Church, Houghton MI, or Samaritan’s Purse or The Gideons”
To view Hal’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
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