Edwin Bruno Seppala, 91, was of Rindge, NH during the warm season, and a snow bird to Lantana, FL when the cold of New England chased him away. He passed away Monday, September 9, 2014 at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH after suffering a massive heart attack.
Edwin was born November 1, 1922 in Jaffrey NH. The 2nd of 9 children, to Gus and Annie (Somero) Seppala. Rindge became the home where he grew up and married the love of his life, Mary Ann in 1950. It was there that they raised their 13 children and suffered the sorrowful trials of losing 5 sons. Ralph Martin, age 3 in 1962 of a tragic drowning; Philip Arnold, 17 in 1969 in a terrible car accident; James Allen “Jimmy”, 56, in 2013 of a sudden heart attack; Michael Edwin, 61 and Paul Richard, 56, both of whom passed from cancer within 7 months after Jimmy. Edwin had worked for Seppala construction until his retirement.
Edwin served his country, defending our freedoms, during World War II. He served 3 years in the Army Air Force, assembling and overhauling aircraft engines as far away as India.
Edwin was a grand man to many who knew him and loved him. He bestowed quiet integrity. He was a man of few words, but a man of his word, and whose action spoke louder…He was unwavering in his faith, and one who had much strength, patience, and endurance. His beautiful, unfailing, love for his wife Mary Ann portrayed an example that is hard to come by. It framed a picture of “loving your wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it”. His great unconditional love for his family never left a doubt of his genuine heart towards his loved ones.
Edwin leaves behind his beloved wife Mary Ann (Haapaoja) Seppala. They were married for 64 years. He was predeceased by his 5 sons, afore mentioned. He is survived by his daughters, Ann Mary with husband Jack Matson; Susan Carol with husband Lyle Stenersen; Darlene Elaine with husband Jon West; Carla Lynn with husband Chet Olin; Jennie Lee with husband Adam Aho. Sons Calvin Charles with wife Brenda (Olin); Peter Gus with wife Mary Lynn (Mattila); Tim Joel with wife Pam (Questad). Daughter in laws, Kathy (Kulla), wife of Mike; Peggy (Wiinikka) wife of Jimmy; Sharon (Sikkila) wife of Paul.
Edwin also leaves behind 80 grandchildren and 176 great grandchildren. His brothers Martin Seppala, Arnold Seppala, 2 sisters Alvina Oberg and Elaine Olson. Numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Apostolic Lutheran Church, 117 Goen Road, New Ipswich, NH 03071
The funeral service for Edwin will begin at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church. All are invited to attend.
A Graveside service and burial with military honors will take place at 3:00PM in the family lot at Hillside Cemetery in Rindge.
To share memories or photos, or to send condolences to the family, please visit Edwin’s permanent online memorial at www.cournoyerfh.com
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