Caroline Jane Kemppainen, 88, of Traverse City and formerly of Detroit, passed peacefully on June 23, 2014, at Munson Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born September 12, 1925, to Edward and Rose (Grossman) Hoppenrath.

Carol married Allen Arthur Kemppainen on January 28, 1956 at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit. The two were married 34 years before Allen's unfortunate death in August, 1990. They have one lovely daughter, Karen A.K. Emerson.

Previously, Carol was employed at Hudson's Department Store and Burger King in Detroit.
After residing in Detroit for 74 years, Carol moved to Traverse City permanently to live closer to her family. She loved living in Traverse City at Hillview Apartments.

Carol enjoyed reading, bingo, attending sing-a-longs, shopping and visiting the Traverse City Senior Center. She ran the coffee hour and supper club at Hillview Apartments and volunteered often at Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency where her daughter works. She was a member of both Feast of Victory Lutheran Church in Acme, and Hillview (Bayview Wesleyan) Church of Traverse City.

Carol is survived by her daughter Karen A.K. Emerson, her son-in-law Donald Emerson II, and four loving grandchildren: Sara, Noah, Spenser and Abilene. They all enjoyed going out to eat with Mom/Grandma, shopping with her, taking her to the movies, and relaxing on the back deck together. She was quick with a smile, a joke, and a kind word. To know Carol was to love to her.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A memorial service honoring Carol will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Feast of Victory Lutheran Church (4400 Mt. Hope Rd, Acme, MI), preceded by a visitation with the family at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions maybe directed to the family for distribution.