Bruce F. Kauppila – 1939-2022

It is with great sadness that we announce that Bruce passed away on Thursday, March 24^th 2022 at home in the presence of his loving wife Helena and brother-in-law Michael after a long life full of love, joy, and diverse experiences. He was a wonderful, caring, loving man who brought so much joy to all who knew him.  He was a source of comfort, strength and shelter for Helena, his loving wife of 54 years. Bruce considered everyone he met to be his friend; he enjoyed talking to all his friends and family about his experiences, shared his knowledge, and was willing to assist with projects whenever needed.

Bruce was born Highland Park Michigan.  He grew up in the Upper Peninsula and was always proud of being a Finnish “yooper”.  He and Helena lived in the Detroit suburbs until moving to warmer winters in the Houston Texas area in 2016.

Bruce and Helena raised three wonderful children together: Mark, Neil (Rocky) and Tanya.  Bruce was so very proud of the wonderful adults they grew up to be and was so grateful for the love and compassion they showed to him.  When the children were young, camping and traveling were common summer activities, and holidays were always full of family and fun.

Bruce was an Electrical Engineer by training which he used in his career at the Detroit Edison Energy Company in Detroit, Michigan until retiring in 2001.  Two years of active duty in the US Navy aboard the USS Okinawa from 1963 to 1965 was a source of pride for him and he enjoyed meeting and talking to fellow veterans about their shared experiences. He also enjoyed several years working beside a good friend who was a charter fishing boat captain. His other interests included wood-working and carving, figurative sculpture, and fishing, and of course spending time with family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his wife Helena, three children, and their spouses and children: son Mark Kauppila, his wife Erin and their sons Michael & Jeffrey, Neil Kauppila, his wife Mary and their children Amanda, Jason & Christine, daughter Tanya Mann, her husband Eric and Tanya’s son Matthew Hoch and his fiancé Stephanie Beavis.  His sister Mary Thor and her husband Dexter.  His sister Karen Setera.  His brothers and sisters by marriage: Nina Cleven and her husband Phil, Michael Sadowski, and Anna Hanrahan whom he considered like a second daughter. In addition, many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was pre-deceased by his parents Felix and Senia Kauppila and brother Ross Kauppila.

Bruce  will be interred in the Great Lakes National Cemetary in Michigan and there will be a memorial service for him in Michigan this June.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.