Obituary of Elizabeth Trace Kauppi

Elizabeth Trace "Betty" Kauppi died Aug. 1, 2015, in Grand Rapids, Minn., at the age of 98. Born in Minot, N.D.. She lived in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho and was educated in Fargo, N.D. She was a 1935 graduate of Fargo High School. 1939, graduate of Moorhead State Teachers' College, music and English. She taught piano in U of North Dakota Music Conservatory. Betty taught English and music in Williams, Minn. She married Clifford Kauppi and moved to Grand Rapids, Minn., in 1943. Betty taught instrumental and vocal music at U of Minnesota Ag School and the Greenway School District. They owned and operated a motel in Grand Rapids for 10 years. She directed the Community Presbyterian Church Choir for 22 years and was a founding member and soloist of the Grand Rapids Showboat. She formed and directed the Arion Male Chorus, 1953-1970, organized ecumenical choirs and presented cantatas, 1960-1982, organized the Grand Rapids Choristers from 13 area churches. Betty was the first director of the local Sweet Adeline's, organized and directed The Second Wind Harmonica Band, 1981-2000. She was admitted to Who's Who of American Women, 1997-98. Mom, we do not know how you raised us with such effortless grace. Your compassionate spirit found the best in others. Your gentle heart was filled with silliness and compassion. You were steadfastly firm in your values and actions. Your joy was in teaching and empowering others. We saw you generously giving and serving others, especially those with no face. Your endless dedication and reliability was an example for all. Everything you did, you did in love. Preceded in death by husband, Clifford G. Kauppi. Survived by Sharon (Brad) Pleimling of Minneapolis, Charles Kauppi of Brainerd, Roberta (Jeff) Erickson of Northome; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Special thank you to the care-givers at Evergreen Terrace, Jan Anderson, The Second Wind, The Men's Chorus, Comm. Pres. Church and the many visitors who enriched her life in these past 12 years at Evergreen Terrace. SERVICE: 11 a.m. Sept 12, in the Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, Minn. Memorials to Comm. Pres. Church, 703 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or Betty Kauppi Music Fund, Community Foundation, 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55774