Dale Kamppinen
SUPERIOR LOCATION — Dale R. Kamppinen, 58, of Superior Road in Houghton, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Monday, May 11, 2026. Dale was born on March 14, 1968, in L’Anse, MI, the son of Robert Kamppinen and the late Susan Koskela. He grew up in South Range and graduated from Jeffers High School with the class of 1986.
After high school, Dale began a lifelong career as a second-generation pipeliner with Local Union #798. Years later, his son Phillip joined the trade, and the work they shared created a bond most can’t understand. Over the next 40 years, Dale’s job took him across the country and at times overseas to Trinidad. He never sought recognition – he simply valued steadiness, honest work, and the people he met along the way. Following his father’s footsteps, and later working alongside his own son, created a meaningful three-generation connection to the #798 union that Dale held quietly but deeply in his heart.
On October 31, 1987, Dale married the former Michele McCarthy. They began their life together in Painesdale, MI, where they raised their family before settling on Superior Road.
Dale enjoyed the simple, meaningful parts of life – time with family and friends, cooking for company, and being outdoors hunting, fishing, and trapping. He loved going to garage sales with Michele, watching old westerns, and playing Scrabble and Yahtzee with her. He was a gentle, steady presence who found joy in everyday moments.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Susan Koskela; his grandson, Noel Kamppinen; his brother-in-law, Dexter Stevens; and his grand-dog, Kessler James.
Surviving are: His wife: Michele Kamppinen of Superior Road, Houghton; His children: Kyllie (Justin) Wickman of Iron Mountain, Phillip (Stephanie) Kamppinen of Traverse City, MI, & Lisa Kamppinen of Ohio, along with her dog, Sadie; His grandchildren: Ellah, Wyatt, Riley, and Alexander; His father: Robert Kamppinen of Brooklyn Location; His sister: Amanda (Rick) Johnson of Atlantic Mine; His inlaws: Margaret Stevens; Maureen (Toivo) Salo; MaryBeth (William) Petrasek; Patrick (Tina) McCarthy; Jeanne (Ted) Meyers; Colleen (Nick) Williams; Tom (Brooke) McCarthy; and Kevin (Robin) McCarthy; His best friend and cousin: Johnny O; Many nieces, nephews, and cousins
A memorial service for Dale will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.
To view Dale’s obituary or send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Mt. View Chapel of South Range is assisting the family with arrangements.