John K. Kemppainen

1944 - 2023

John K. Kemppainen, 79, of Virginia passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

He was born on February 14, 1944 in Ashland, WI to Walfred and Ann Dawson Kemppainen. He grew up in Ashland and his family moved to Virginia, MN when he was in the ninth grade, and graduated from the Roosevelt High School in 1962.

After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1966 aboard the USS Norton Sound.

On September 11, 1971 John married Roseanne Marsh of Chisholm. He was employed by Erie Mining Co./LTV Steel in Hoyt Lakes and retired after 30 years with the company, and then went into sales.

John coached Little League Baseball through Legion Ball for many years. He then umpired for over 20 years for the MSHSL. He was the public address announcer for Virginia High School and Mesabi Range College football for many years. He also was the public address announcer for Blue Devil Hockey and most recently the Rock Ridge Wolverines for the past 20 years.

John was part of the American Legion Color Guard from Virginia in the 1970's and 1980's, and was also a member of several service organizations in the area. He was the first union worker to serve as President of the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota.

John will missed by his "little buddy" Milo of Mt. Iron, whom he spent part of his lunchtime with 5 days a week.

Whenever John greeted someone, he addressed them no matter what their age as, "Hey, kid! How ya doing?" And to you we say, "Take care kid. We're gonna miss ya!" And as John has shown us over the years, "Old baseball players never die, they just become umpires"! The "Field of Dreams" is yours to enjoy!

John was preceded in death by his parents and by his stepmother Lorraine. He also was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Don Walker of Phoenix, AZ, a nephew Jon Ray of Hugo, MN and his son Steven from a previous marriage.

Survivors include his wife Roseanne of 52 years, his daughter Julie Dale (Christopher) of Mt. Iron, MN, grandson Andrew Dale (Justine) of Duluth, MN and a daughter Angela from a previous marriage. Two sisters, Mickey Ray (Garold) of White Bear Lake, MN and their son Robert Ray (Michele) of Mpls/St. Paul, and Kathleen Walker of Phoenix, AZ.

A memorial mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia with Rev. Fr. Brandon Moravitz as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Military rites will be accorded by the Virginia Servicemen's Color Guard at the church, and burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.