Renate Kauppila

Renate was born in Frankenheim, Germany on November 17, 1940 daughter of the late Karoline (Stetler) and Gottfried Dietzel. She grew up in Germany and met James Kauppila while he was stationed in Germany and they later married on September 19, 1961 while in Germany. Following James’ discharge from the service they moved back to this area.

Renate enjoyed many hobbies and interest including knitting and crocheting, cooking and baking, flower gardening and yardwork, spooky movies, music and dancing, but most important to her, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, James R. Kauppila Sr. of Gwinn, four daughters, Angela York of Gwinn; Marian (Keith) Kangas of Sands; Sabine (Robert Nelson) Kauppila, of Lake Villa, IL; Michelle (Allen Jahovic) Kauppila of Hobart, IN; son James (Tamera) Kauppila Jr., of Elkhorn, WI; three sisters, Irma, Waltraud and Doris all residing in Germany; grandchildren and great grandchildren – Jennifer (Nick) Aker, Amanda James) French, Sara (Michael) Swick, Mitchel (Jamie) Kauppila, Samantha (Lucas) Baldwin, Aimee (Matt) Spinato, Amber (Matt) Peacock, Megan (Dakota) Tarvas, Henry Spinato Jr., Mason Kauppila, Lily Kauppila, Shyloh Lehigh, Myles Lehigh, Lydia Rose Baldwin, Willow Aker, Korben Aker, Gryffin Aker, Timothy Swick, Alyssa Swick, Abigail Swick, Micah Kauppila, Makayla Kauppila, Aiden Peacock, Liam Tarvas and Oliver Kaster; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson Josh Lehigh, her other siblings along with some of her nieces and nephews.

Renate’s family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 1:00pm on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 1:00pm on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A coffee and dessert social time will follow the services in the church hall. Pallbearers will be Mitchel and Mason Kauppila, Allen Jahovic, James French, Dakota Tarvas, Amanda French and Nick Aker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette Co., 700 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Renate’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.