Ishpeming Twp,- Philip W. Kempainen, age 75 of 250 Seilo Ave., Ishpeming passed away Friday May 3, 2013 at his home while under the loving care of his family and UP Home Health & Hospice. Philip was born June 23, 1937 in Bruce Crossing, MI to Walfred & Ruth (Newhouse) Kempainen. Philip graduated from Negaunee High School, class of 1955, attended Northern Michigan University and served his country in the Army National Guard of Michigan. He worked for A.L. Lindberg as a heavy equipment operator for 10 years and worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 32 years retiring in 1997 as a pit supervisor from the Tilden Mine. Philip was an active member of the Bethel Lutheran Church where he was currently serving of the church council. He participated in the church men's group, served on the property committee and ushered. Phil was an avid baseball player, most recently playing for the Negaunee Old-timers'. He was a Tigers & Packers fan. Phil loved fishing on his boat with his wife Rosalie and loved gardening and keeping his yard meticulously clean. He was a member of the Ishpeming Pioneer Kiwanis Club. Philip is survived by his wife Rosalie (Laituri) Kempainen, whom he married on June 28, 1958, 2 children: Daryl (Debra) Kempainen of Alexandria, LA, and Cheryl (fiancé Tom Williamson) Fowler of Ishpeming, 3 grandchildren: Jessica Kempainen of New Orleans, Philip Kempainen of Alexandria, LA and Trevor Fowler of Ishpeming, a sister Sandra (Walter) Thompson of Novi, MI and Michael (Chrys) Kempainen of Garland, TX, mother in law Ruth Laituri and brother in law Keith Laituri both of Ishpeming along with numerous nieces and nephews. Philip was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Arlene Wagener and his father in law Edwin Laituri. Philip's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am-12:00noon on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where funeral services will be held at 12:00noon with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery. Memorial considerations may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in memory of Philip. Philip's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.