Lester Kauppi

Lester Joseph Kauppi was born on November 7, 1936 on the family farm in Homestead Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota.  His parents were the late Joseph Erhart and Lillian Sophia (Holt) Kauppi.  Lester was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York Mills.  Lester graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 1956.  Lester served honorably in the United States Army from November 20, 1956 to November 19, 1958. 

He was employed first at Lund Boats for five years before working for Fischer Construction in Apple Valley for eight years.  Lester was then employed with Melvin Putikka for 10 years from 1976-1986.  He became self-employed in 1987 where he worked as a grade operator for the Newton, Homestead, and Deer Creek Township before retiring in 1998.  Lester was a member of the Golden Valley American Legion since 1971.

On November 21, 2019, Lester passed away peacefully at the Mills Manor in New York Mills, Minnesota at 83 years of age.  Preceding Lester in death were his parents; sisters Norma, Lorna, and Karen; brother Clyde.

Lester is survived by other relatives and a host of friends.

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