Wilma L. Kauppi

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Wilma L. Kauppi, 94, of Ironwood Township, died Monday, June 30, 2014, in Ironwood.

Wilma was born Oct. 24, 1919, in Kimball, Wis., daughter of the late Leander and Maria (Paavola) Stenroos. She attended Meadville and Hurley schools and graduated from the Lincoln High School with the class of 1937.

In her younger years, Wilma worked on the family farm, milking cows and delivering milk. She owned and operated with her husband Arvid's family Union Bottling Works. After her husband's death, she was employed by Ted Ellos Appliance and Superior Audio Visual as a bookkeeper for many years until retirement.

Wilma enjoyed collecting bottles and was the family and church historian. She especially enjoyed family gatherings and loved to cook. Her favorite times were spent sitting around the kitchen table with family or friends talking about things that were, incidents that happened and looking forward to making more memories together. The coffee pot was put on quickly with goodies to share, especially her Finnish tarts, "Hello Dolly" bars, or frosted cookies.

Wilma was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She taught Sunday school for more than 40 years, was a member of the church council and the Paula, Hope and Mary circles. She was loved by her family and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.

On Aug. 27, 1939, she was married to Arvid J. Kauppi at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood by Rev. Herman Matero. Arvid preceded her in death on Aug. 22, 1972.

Wilma is survived by four sons; David (Nancy) Kauppi, of Bessemer Township, Conrad (Patty) Kauppi, of Lynchburg, Va., Myron Kauppi, of Ironwood Township, and Larry (Lori) Kauppi, of Kimball; eight grandchildren, Connie (Bridget O'Brien) Kauppi, Naomi (Michael Korpela) Kauppi, Emilie (Zachary) Braunel, Cynthia Kauppi, Alan (Ula) Kauppi, Miquel (Barry) Lewis, Kristi (Robert) Freeman and Kevin Kauppi; nine great-grandchildren, David and Sean Korpela, Benjamin and Adelyn Braunel, Katie, Eric and Matthew Kauppi, and Breanna and Carson Freeman; and two sisters-in-law, Helen and Margaret Kauppi. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

Besides her parents and husband, Wilma was preceded in death by an infant son, Gary, in February 1954; four brothers, Eino, Bruno, Eugene and Waino Stenroos; four sisters, Souma Mayersak, Vienna Sturkol, Fanny Hill and Ellen Kaartunen. Wilma was also preceded in death by a brother and sister in childhood.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood. Rev. Kurt Kovanen will officiate.

Wilma's family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

Pallbearers will be Michael Korpela, Zachary Braunel, Alan Kauppi, Barry Lewis, Kevin Kauppi and Robert Freeman.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Range Funeral Service Inc. and the Ketola-Burla Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.