Raymond M. Seppanen
CHAMPION TWP., MI – Raymond M. Seppanen, age 69, lifelong area resident, passed away on Monday May 15th, 2023, at his home while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ray was born in L’Anse, MI on September 27th, 1953, son of the late Toivo “Wally” and Dorothy (Nurmela) Seppanen. He grew up in the Champion area and attended Champion High School, graduating with the class of 1972. Following graduation, he completed an electrician apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Ray worked for the IBEW Local 1070 for more than 40 years.
Ray was a jack of all trades. He could rebuild an engine or build a house and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and cooking for his family. Ray was one of a kind, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He loved any activity that kept him outdoors, downhill skiing, ice fishing, hunting, and swimming after a blazing hot sauna.
Ray loved spending time with his family and is survived by his wife of 25 years- Julie (Larson) Seppanen, three children- Angela Seppanen, Michael (Christine Olp) Seppanen, Maija Seppanen, stepdaughter- Jolene Choudhry, three grandchildren- Raider Murphy, Braxton Murphy, Andrea Choudhry, three siblings- Kenneth (Trudy) Seppanen, William Seppanen, Annette (D. Michael) Carriere, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents- Dorothy and Wally Seppanen.
Ray’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home on Sunday May 21st, 2023, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm with Pastor D. Michael Carriere officiating. Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church at 3:00pm. Interment will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.
Ray’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.