Peter R. Turpeinen

Houghton/Alston Peter Turpeinen, 67, a resident of Houghton and formerly of Alston passed away Friday morning May 22, 2009, at the Portage Hospital in Hancock following a courageous 10 month battle with cancer. He was born on March 31, 1942, in Negaunee, MI, to Mae (Wiiki) Turpeinen and the late Willard Turpeinen, the second of eight children. Pete was a graduate of the Baraga High School with the class of 1960. In 1961, he was united in marriage to the love and light of his life, the former Barbara Karsama. She preceded him in death this past December 23rd. Peter was a respected local businessman, operating Turpeinen Brothers, Inc., which was originally started by his father. This land clearing and chipping business continued for over 30 years amongst the five Turpeinen brothers. Mr. Turpeinen was a member of Mission United Lutheran Church of Pelkie, a former member of the Laird Volunteer Fire Department, and a former member of the Northern Snow Flyers. Pete loved his family, friends and his community with every fiber of his being. His generosity was unmatched and he met each and everyone with a warm smile and a kind word, usually in Finnish. Preceding him in death were his wife, Barb, his son Greg, his granddaughter Erika, his father Willard, and his brothers, Henry, David, and Robert. Surviving are: His daughter: Kim Turpeinen of Houghton His grandchildren: Danielle Borel, Paige Borel and Dylan Borel His mother: Mae Turpeinen of Alston His adopted son and family Jim Fedie of Nisula His brothers: William (Grace) Turpeinen of Alston Tom (Amy) Turpeinen of Alston His sisters: Mary (Clyde) Peterson of Alston Susan (Robert) Zyza of Watsonville, CA Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services for Peter will be held 12 noon Tuesday May 26, 2009, at the Mission United Lutheran Church of Pelkie with Rev. John Autio to officiate. Burial will be in the Alston Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday May 25, 2009, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock from 4 to 8 pm and on Tuesday from 11 am until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy the family suggests that memorial may be given to the playground equipment fund for the Laird Township Recreation Park, in memory of Peter's continued community support. To view Peter's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.