Ishpeming Twp.- Rosalie G. Kempainen, age 86 longtime area resident, passed away on Monday February 16, 2026 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of her family, UP Home Health and Hospice, and nursing home staff.

Rosalie was born in Ishpeming on January 30, 1940, daughter of the late Edwin and Ruth (Saari) Laituri. She grew up in Negaunee, and was a graduate of Negaunee High School with the class of 1957. Rosalie married her husband of 54 years Philip Kempainen on June 28, 1958.

Rosalie was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she proudly served as church secretary for many years, and was also a member of the Ishpeming Kiwanis club. Rosalie enjoyed fishing with her husband on the Greenwood Reservoir, baking, doing yardwork, gardening, crocheting, knitting, coffee clutching, visiting with neighbors, and spending time with her family.

Rosalie is survived by her daughter- Cheryl (Tom Williamson) Fowler, 3 grandchildren- Trevor Fowler, Jessica (Scott) Duggins and Scott’s daughter- Cole Duggins, Philip (Bayleigh) Kempainen, 2 great grandchildren- Bennett and Collins Kempainen, and her daughter-in-law- Debbie Kempainen. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband- Philip Kempainen, brother- Keith Laituri, and son- Daryl Kempainen.

Rosalie’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Monday February 23, 2026 from 11:00am until 12:00pm. Funeral Services will begin at 12:00pm with Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery in the spring.

Rosalie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility and UP Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to her.

Rosalie’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.