Charlene “Chuckie” Kemppainen
Charlene Jane “Chuckie” Kemppainen ascended to her heavenly reward on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Wausau Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care Unit. She was born on August 1, 1952, at the Phelps Hospital in Phelps, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Dale and Charlotte Jenkins who preceded her to their eternal rewards.
She is survived by her husband, Paul of 43 years; son, Dale (Elizabeth) and his wife; and their six children, Brigitte (Donald) Goss and their two children Claire and William; Cody Wilson; Breanna (Evan) Wujcik, Sabrina (Matthew) Sawle; Dayle Paulina; and Dale Paul Jr. She is also survived by her sister, Theresa (Robert) Mansfield and their daughter, Amanda (Ramsay) Haynes and son Damon.
She was a life-long resident of Watersmeet attending the Watersmeet School and graduated in 1970. She was active in Band and Cheerleading and loved being a Nimrod. She worked for the Watersmeet School District, The Lac Vieux Desert Tribe, the Nordine Family Store in Watersmeet and the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District. She always gave her all to the jobs and especially enjoyed the time she had working with children in school and being a caretaker.
She enjoyed music and playing the piano and giving lessons for many years. She enjoyed outdoor activities like walking, camping and golf. She enjoyed bowling with many different teams of ladies over the years and in our couple’s league. She liked to look for the best in everyone and was a true friend to many.
She had a strong faith and was ready to make that final journey that we all make to attain our heavenly reward. She will truly be missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.
A memorial service will be at 11am on Saturday December 13, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Phelps, WI. Visitation will be held 10:30am.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com PAID OBITUARY
