James Burton Keplinger

NEGAUNEE, MI - James Burton Keplinger, 88, passed away on November 10, 2025, in Negaunee, Michigan, surrounded by his family. He was born at home in Delano, Minnesota, on April 14, 1937, and grew up as the middle child of Horace and Esther (Rieder) Keplinger. His childhood shaped the man he would become-curious, industrious, and devoted to helping others.
By age 14, Jimmy was already helping support the family business by driving grocery deliveries for his mother's Red and White store. His interest in anatomy was nurtured by his grandfather and uncles at the Rieder Meat Market, ultimately inspiring his pursuit of a medical career. He graduated from Delano High School in 1955, attended the University of Minnesota, and earned his medical degree in 1963.
In 1964, Jim married Kathleen Sturos in Laurium, Michigan, commencing a 61-year marriage. They were blessed with twelve children. The early years of their marriage were spent in Detroit; Tacoma, Washington; and Laurium. From 1968 to 1969, Dr. Keplinger served as a field surgeon in Vietnam during the war. In 1970, the family relocated to Marquette, Michigan, where he joined Surgical Associates. For more than three decades, Dr. Keplinger provided surgical care to the Upper Peninsula, earning the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients. He took particular satisfaction in bringing his children with him on rounds, offering them an early glimpse of the joy and responsibility of his calling.
Beyond medicine, Jim was a voracious reader, a student of languages, and a worldwide traveler. He loved golfing, walking and riding his bike along the lakeshore with his wife and kids, cross-country skiing at the Fit Strip, and shoveling snow with a Yooper scooper. Summers were spent with their children at the family cabin, and winters, in their retirement years, visiting Arizona.
Faith anchored Jim's life. It shaped the way he practiced medicine, treated others, and cherished his family. For many years he served as a minister for the Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church. Through faith, he attained his heavenly goal.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, and their twelve children: Janelle (John) Lehtola, Loren (Kristen), Guy (Kymberlie), Burton (Sarah), Galen (Megan), Greta (Peter) Huhta, Beth (David) Ojala, Lars (Katie), Leanne (Peter) Ojala, Jared (Erin), Emily (Michael) Hill, and Rachel. He is also survived by 70 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, his brother Wayne (Karen), in-laws John (Carol) Sturos and Lowell Plough, and many beloved extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Esther Keplinger; his sister, Sandra Keplinger; in-laws Arne and Martha Sturos, Marianne and Arnold Peterson, Robert and Maria Sturos, Thomas Sturos, and Carol Plough; and his stillborn son, Caleb.
Funeral services will be held at the Ishpeming Laestadian Lutheran Church at 567 Washington St in Ishpeming on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1 pm. Visitation begins at 11 am. A luncheon will follow the service.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com
Memorial donations may be made to: Building Hope, 510 N. Holcombe Avenue, Litchfield, MN 55355 (website below)