Republic – Veronica S. Kemppainen, age 76, longtime Republic Twp. resident passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had been a resident for the past 8 months.

Veronica was born in Green (Ontonagon Co.), MI on April 15, 1943, daughter of the late Katheryn (Mulac) and Andrew Store.  She grew up in Green and was a graduate of Ontonagon High School, Class of 1961.  She married Roy Kemppainen in Ontonagon the summer following her graduation.  Veronica and Roy raised their 5 children in Republic.  When her children were older, Veronica received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from NMU. She taught pre-school classes in the Republic - Michigamme School District.

Veronica was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic where she had served in many capacities, such as Sunday School Teacher, church council and various committees through the years.  Veronica enjoyed knitting, artwork and reading.

Survivors include her husband Roy Kemppainen of Republic, three daughters – Kasondra Kay (Steve) Schroeder of Appleton, WI; Moira (Greg "Chip") Bazhenow of Peoria, IL Krin Kemppainen of Chugiak, AK; two sons Robert Kemppainen of Republic, MI; Michael (Judy) Kemppainen, of Poughkeepsie, NY; two sisters - Katheryn Yanasak of Kenosha, WI; Judith (Jim) Pattison, of Ontonagon; 4 grandchildren - Laura Nardi, Tristan Kemppainen, Kourtney Bazhenow and Milton Champlin, Jr.; two great grandchildren - Bristol and Eli along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ronald Store and a nephew David Store.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, February 8, 2020.  A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00pm with the Rev. Don Ludemann to officiate.  Interment will take place at the Greenland Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 110 Poplar St., Republic, MI 49879

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

Veronica's funeral recording can be listened to here.