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Obituary for Paul L. Kempainen, Sr.
Paul L. Kempainen, Sr., age 76, died peacefully at home under the comfort and care of his family on August 6, 2018.
Paul was born on December 12, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Charles and Anna Kempainen. A graduate of Dollar Bay High School, he later served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He was grateful for having been stationed in Germany, and his memories of touring France, Austria, and the Netherlands brought him lifelong satisfaction. He would later add Italy to the list. Venice was a particular favorite.
When at home, he enjoyed watching baseball, grilling, discussing politics, music, and fishing. A dedicated runner up until his early 50’s, he continued to stay fit by rollerblading and then by hiking the nature trails at the local park after his retirement.
In the years following his military service, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Foth, studied to become an electrician for Ford Motor Company, and became a father to three children who survive him: Paul Jr. (Marla), Rhonda Kempainen, and Charles. Although he was not a college graduate himself, he wanted his children to gain the advantages of further education and encouraged and supported their efforts in any way that he could.
The year 1990 brought him great sadness, for he suffered the sudden and devastating loss of his wife. He grieved deeply and yet found the strength to provide and care for his children in a way that never left them wanting for love. And though he found it easier to demonstrate his affection through deeds more than through words, he could and did say the words when they needed to be heard.
Later in life he worked hard to overcome his natural reserve. He dated, traveled, and enrolled in ballroom dance classes. In time, he was able to more openly express the humor and warmth that those closest to him had always known him to have.
Paul is also survived by sisters, Rita, Shirley, and Betty Ann; brother, Charles; granddaughters, Arianna and Lauren. He was preceded by his parents and his sister, Charlotte.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 600 E. Main St., Brighton on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Pastor Loretta Job to officiate. Burial to follow at Oakland Hills Cemetery, Novi.
For further information, phone Lynch & Sons, Brighton at 810-229-2905.
Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
9
Aug
9:30 AM8/9/2018 9:30:00 AM
- 11:30 AM
8/9/2018 11:30:00 AM
