SUOMI LOCATION, MI. - Helen Marie Kemp, 90, of 3332 Hwy M-35, Suomi Location, died at her home at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2012 with family by her side and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.
Helen was born December 23, 1921 in Suomi Location to Waino A. and Pauline L. (Lemberg) Hiironen and was a graduate of Palmer High School, Class of 1939. She was employed as a nurse's aide for 20 years at Morgan Heights. She and her husband spent 6 months of the year in Lantana, FL for 20 years and Helen worked as a housekeeper in Ocean Ridge.
Mrs. Kemp was a longtime member of Community Lutheran Church, Suomi, formerly known as Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. She was the Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years. While living in Florida, Helen was an active member of the Living Word Lutheran Church. She enjoyed the hot weather there and liked playing bingo with her friend, Stella. She and her husband had the honor of dancing the last dance of the evening at Elk's functions in Lantana. Helen founded the local Girl Scout Troop #277 and started a Brownie Group. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially at camp for the 4th of July.
Surviving are one son, Tom (Kerry) Kemp of Menasha, WI, three daughters: Patricia Kemp of Suomi Location, Peggy (Phil) Breeden of Lantana, FL, Liisa Kemp of Suomi Location, eight grandchildren: Lee Anne (Tron) Thornton, Kelly (Ryan) Healy, Bradley (Amy) Kemp, Heather (Robbie) Allen, John (Sarah) Juchemich, James and Justin Juchemich, Ross Alan Kemp, five great grandchildren: Krista Thornton, Thomas Dunham, Joey Healy, Tyler Kemp, Adam Melchior, 1 great great granddaughter, Lux Juchemich, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and her loving protector, Fido, who made her feel safe. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ross 'Finny' Kemp on January 25, 2012, 2 brothers: Sulo Harju and Fred Hiironen, and 1 sister, Bertha LaChance.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3rd at the Community Lutheran Church in Suomi with Rev. Douglas Norquist officiating. Interment will be in the Bakkala Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 11 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. at the church on Tuesday, and also at a reception following the service in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Community Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Lake Superior Hospice in Helen's name.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com