Ishpeming – Laura E. Kauppila, age 91, longtime West Ishpeming resident passed away on Tuesday October 27, 2009 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming with her loving family by her side. She had resided at the Mqt. Co. Medical Care Facility since May of 2004.

Laura was born on October 12, 1918 in Marquette to the late Frank and Josephine (Korpela) Nevala and was a 1936 graduate of Marquette.

Laura was an active member of the Bethel Lutheran church, serving with Martha Circle in the WELCA, the Evangel group and numerous church activities. Laura enjoyed quilting, knitting, reading, crossword puzzles, gardening and cooking. Laura also enjoyed her time spent with her family and friends.

Laura is survived by 3 sons: James (Renate) Kauppila of Gwinn, Raymond (Vanda) Kauppila of Ishpeming & Steven (Bonnie) Kauppila of Ishpeming, 11 grandchildren: Marian (Keith) Kangas, whom Laura and Ensio had raised, along with Angela (George) York, James (Tammy) Kauppila Jr., Sabine (Henry) Spinato, Michelle Kauppila, Lisa (Brian) Duke, Susan (John) Burke, Erik (Beth) Kauppila, Greg (Shannon) Kauppila, Joel (Tracee) Kauppila, Deanna Kauppila (Jake London), 26 great grandchildren: Amanda (Pete) Luokkala, Samantha (Josh) Lehigh, Joshua York, Megan York, Sara Hogan, Jennifer (Nick) Aker, Mitch Kauppila, James Pekkarainen, Mason Kauppila, Lauren Duke, Braden Duke, Cassie Burke, Derrick Burke, Brent Burke, Aimee Spinato, Amber Spinato, Henry Spinato Jr., Lily Kauppila, Jolie Kauppila, Evan Kauppila, Jaron DeHate, Stephanie DeHate, Madison Becksma, Amanda Kangas, Kristen Kangas, Lauren Kangas, Reese Kauppila, Ian Kauppila, 2 great-great grandchildren: Shyloh Lehigh and Sophia Mastronarbi along with many nieces and nephews. Laura is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Ensio and 6 brothers - Lauri, Frank Jr., Urpo, Jacob, Michael, and Matheau Nevala

The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 until 4:00pm on Friday, October 30, 2009 at the Bethel Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held at 4:00pm on Friday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Greg Kauppila, Joel Kauppila, James Kauppila Jr., George York, Derrick Burke, and Brent Burke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Laura's memory.