
Lorna A. Kaspala, 82, a resident of Chassell, passed away Thursday,
January 22, 2026, at the UP Health System – Portage, shortly after
arriving from an apparent heart attack.
She was born on July 13, 1943, in Painesdale, a daughter of the late
Gustav and May (Greb) Grohman. Lorna was raised in Painesdale and was
a graduate of the Jeffer’s High School with the class of 1962.
On August 25, 1962, she was united in marriage to John Kaspala. The
couple has resided in various parts of the United States and
internationally while John was in the United States Navy.
The couple then made their home in Chassell, and Lorna began a career
working for the Chassell schools, retiring after 48 years of service
to the district. During that time, she had worked as a bus driver, in
the Maintenance department of the school and helped coach girls
varsity basketball.
Mrs. Kaspala was a dedicated member of S.S. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church
Church of Houghton and the Chassell VFW Post #6507 Auxiliary. Lorna
enjoyed scuba diving, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and working
in her garden. She was a jack of all trades who could help with
carpentry projects and mechanical problems and enjoyed plowing snow in
the winter, processing deer, and was always willing to help anyone in
need at a moment’s notice.
Preceding her in death were her husband, John, her son Henry, her
grandson Jake, her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn & Robert
Raisanen, her sister and brother-in-law: Eunice & Ed Kern, and her
brother-in-law, William Chopp.
Surviving are:
Her son: John (Rachael) Kaspala of Holly Ridge, NC
Her grandchildren: Courtney, John Kyle, Elizabeth, Catie,
Samantha, Kaitlyn and Ella.
Her great-grandchildren: Aryonah, Cameron, Quincy, and Benjamin
Her daughter-in-law: Lori Veihl
Her sisters: Ruth Chopp of Painesdale
Mary (Martin) Lopahs of St. James, MN
Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great
nieces, great great nephews and cousins
A special friend Jack Campbell of Chassell
A funeral service for Lorna will be held 12:00 noon, Saturday, January
31, 2026, at S.S. Peterand Paul Lutheran Church of Houghton with Rev.
Aaron Gehrke to officiate. Burial will be in the Chassell Cemetery
later this year.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:00 am until
time of services at S.S. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church of Houghton.
To view Lorna’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please
visit www.memorialchapel.net (http://www.memorialchapel.net/).
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is
assisting the family with the arrangements.
326 Quincy St, Hancock, MI 49930
Studio: (906) 356-0277 (text or call)
Office: (906) 482-3700