WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Russell K. Korpi, 83, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Russ was born on Oct. 24, 1941, in Wakefield, the son of Reino Edwin and Elizabeth Irene (Mustapaa) Korpi. He attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1959.

Russ proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, and was honorably discharged as a specialist fourth grade on Feb. 2, 1962. He also served in the Army National Guard and was a supporting member of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11.

Russ was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and going to Korpi Pine Camp. His hobbies included brushing, fishing, four-wheeling, hunting and trapping.

He was employed at White Pine Copper Mine for 36 years.

Russ is survived by a son, Russ Jr.; a daughter, Dawn Semenak; two granddaughters, Darienne (Kevin) Lane and Kailey Korpi; his sister-in-law, Donna (Walt) Rickard and their family; his brother-in-law, Paul Busch; and two other special people in his life, Cindy Korpi and David Semenak.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Karen, on June 18, 2021; and two sisters, Cecile Kempii and Susan Dalbec.

A celebration of Russ' life will be held on Sunday, July 6, beginning at 1 p.m., at the American Legion Geroux Post 11, 605 River St., in Wakefield, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard. A luncheon will be served at the Legion.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.