Gary O. Kamppinen

He was born on December 11, 1954, in Bruce Crossing, the son of the late Oscar and Martha (Ranta) Kamppinen.

Gary graduated from Trout Creek High School in 1973. He was employed at Smurfit Stone Paper Mill in Ontonagon for 30 years. He then worked at the Econo Foods deli until retiring.

On January 1, 2011, he was united in marriage to Brenda Limback Lahti.

Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Arlene (John) Kaare.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, he was a very dedicated and loving father and grandfather. He loved summers at his family home in Bruce Crossing, hunting, Bete Grise, (which he referred to as “bay de Gary), and the Green Bay Packers, Gary loved his time with his wife, Brenda, and their little dog, Bubba and cat, Tabby.

Gary and his cousin, Alvin Hiitola were life-long friends, sharing many hunting and Green Bay Packers victories and defeats.

Gary was a kind, quiet, and meticulous man and he will be greatly missed by everybody who had a chance to know and love him.

Surviving are his wife, Brenda; son, Tim (Amanda) Kamppinen of Grand Rapids; stepchildren, Ben (Kirsten) Lahti and Mandi Flowers of Calumet; grandchildren, Draven, Marley, Audrey, Sylvia, Oliver, and Mabel; special cousins, Alvin Hiitola, Gloria (Cliff) Peltolaand Ed (Sandy) Avedisian; nephews, Billy (Rae) & Jay (Carolyn) Kaare; and many other cousins.

Due to the “Stay Home, Stay safe” order in Michigan, services will be postponed until a later date.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences can be left for the family at ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.