Kathy Seppamaki

GREENLAND, Mich. — Kathy Seppamaki – a life well lived

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Kathy, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on March 24, 2021. Kathy Seppamaki, 75, of Greenland, formerly of Ewen and Bruce Crossing, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep at her home. Kathy lived her whole life in the U.P., complained about the winters, but stayed just the same. She visited some warm places, but always came back.

Kathleen Haapala was born and raised in the U.P., born in Bessemer, to Waino and Hannah Haapala on July 21, 1945. She attended the Ewen-Trout Creek School. 

Fate brought Alan Seppamaki to the U.P. so they could meet and be married on Sept. 22, 1962, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Bruce Crossing. 

Kathy pursued a degree in nursing obtaining her LPN in 1979 from Gogebic Community College, she went on to get her RN degree from GCC in 1988. Kathy worked as a nurse at the Ontonagon Hospital, Phelps Hospital and the Ewen Clinic, and ultimately retiring from nursing while working at the Lac Vieux Desert Health Clinic. Over the years, Kathy also enjoyed working as a flight nurse in her “off time.” She also spent some time working as a traveling nurse in Kauai, Hawaii.

Kathy was active in the Ottawa Lions Club with her husband, Al. They also owned and operated Seppi’s Bar in Kenton for many years.

Kathy is survived by a daughter Roxann (Paul) Kahn; a son, Arthur (Jane) Seppamaki; a grandson, Aiden Seppamaki, the apple of her eye; and special friends, April and Dick Wascher and Max. Also surviving are granddogs, grandhorses, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Alan “Seppi;” sister, Audrey; brother, Ernest Haapala; and parents Hannah and Waino Haapala; as well as dogs Sasha and lots of Tippy’s.

Kathy wishes were to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association which was very helpful to Kathy during her battle with cancer.

The family of Kathy Seppamaki wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Sonco Ambulance, Ontonagon County Sheriff Department and Cane Funeral Home during this painful time.