Stephen “Steve” Brice Kemppainen, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, in Petoskey, Michigan. He was born on January 2, 1947, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to William and Edna “Peg” (Thompson) Kemppainen.
Steve grew up on Drummond Island, Michigan, and graduated from Detour Area High School. After graduation, he attended Lake Superior State University and Diesel Mechanic School through Michigan Tech. He met Karen White and the two married on October 14, 1967. Shortly after that, Steve started working at the Drummond Island Quarry and eventually bought Lake View Resort on April 15, 1970. He and Karen built their log home in 1989. He worked at the quarry until he retired in 2011. They sold the resort in 2021 and Steve was free to spend more time with Karen, along with golfing, hunting, boating, and of course, taking pictures.
Steve was an active member of the community. He served as Drummond Island’s fire chief for 40 years and was a Charter Member of the Lions Club. He also served on the Drummond Island Clinic Board of Directors, Sportsman Club Board of Directors, Moose Lodge Board of Directors and 4th of July Committee. He and Karen were awarded Outstanding Citizen Awards in 1998.
Steve enjoyed the outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, boating, or golfing - you could find him outside doing one of them! He was an avid collector of many things, such as duck decoys, knives, guns and flashlights.
Steve is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Holly (Rob) Bullington of Rochester Hills, Michigan; son, Brian (Angie) Kemppainen of Dewitt, Michigan; grandsons, Ethan Bullington, Joe Kemppainen, and Sam Kemppainen; brother, Marshall (Jolene) Kemppainen of Drummond Island, Michigan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Marilyn and Ted Marek of Dearborn Heights, Michigan; and sisters-in-law, Sandra Hogenson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Barbara White of Greentown, Pennsylvania.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna; brother, William Jay Kemppainen of Drummond Island, Michigan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis and Irving Krewell, of Clarksville, Tennessee; and brother-in-law, Lee White of Greentown, Pennsylvania.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM -12:30 PM at the Drummond Island Town Hall, 29935 E Pine St, Drummond, MI 49726. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12:30 PM, and a luncheon will be held immediately after the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Steve to the Adele Gagliardi Library Addition, at the Drummond Island Public Library, 29934 E Court St, Drummond Island, MI 49726 or to the Drummond Island Fire Department at Center Street, Drummond Island, MI 49726.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
