Esther Kemppainen (Maki)

Obituary of Esther M. Kemppainen Hancock Esther M. Kemppainen, was born in Franklin Mine and died in Franklin House, at Portage Pointe, on April 7, 2012. She was born on May 14, 1919, a daughter of the late, Jennie (Kallio) and Werner Maki. She grew up in Lake Annie, attended the Lake Annie school and then graduated with the class of 1937 from Hancock High School, with honors. Esther was united in marriage to Eino A. Kemppainen in 1939. He preceded her in death in 1987. Hard work was a big part of Esther's life. She worked at St. Joseph's Hospital, JC Penney, and Cypress Manor Nursing Home until her retirement. After retirement Esther and Eino worked raising sheep and a few cows on their hobby farm in Salo. Caring for her family and animals were a big part of Esther's life. Even though it was physically hard for Esther to get around in her later years, she always enjoyed attending the midnight Christmas eve service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Esther is survived by five children, Estelle (Tom) Halborg of Iron Mountain, Gloria (Ron) Case of Ponte Vedra, FL, Paul (Ann) Kemppainen of Salo, Carol (Don) Carli of Hancock, and Bob (Barb) Kemppainen of Auburn, AL., six grandchildren, Carrie (Mike) Schaller of Midland, MI, Julie (Andrew) Watkins of Iron Mountain, MI, Jennie Case of Ponte Vedra, Mollie Case of Ponte Vedra, Matt (Emily) Carli of Santa Barbara, CA, Joe Carli (fiancee, Jayne Martin), of Washington, DC, Sarah Kemppainen of Birmingham, AL, and Brian Kemppainen of Auburn, AL, and five great grandchildren, Kate, Jack, and Maggie Schaller of Midland, MI, and Colin and Mya Watkins of Iron Mountain. She is also survived by a sister, Martha Pekkala of Hancock, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Vieno Stalo, and Irene Hauswirth, two brothers, Waino and John Maki. Thanks to the staff at Cypress Manor, Houghton County Medical Care, Portage Pointe, and Dr Janners and his staff for all of Esther's care. Thanks also to Esther's home care group including Paula, Edie, Bette, Roseanne, Annikka, Gert, and Amy. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock, with Rev. Robert Langseth, presiding. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Copper Country Humane Society, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, or the charity of your choice. To view Esther's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Esther Kemppainen, please visit Tribute Store