Jennifer Lee Kauppinen

Jennifer Lee Kauppinen was born in Virginia on October 22, 1973, to John and Marlene Kauppinen, joining big sister Shari.  Jennifer was a 1992 graduate of the Virginia Secondary School.  She sang in the A Capella Choir, was captain of the Flags and participated in many other activities, taking on a leadership role.  Jennifer graduated with honors from Augsburg College with a double major.

Jennifer was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia.  She was active in various church activities.

Jennifer worked in different management roles after high school.  Most recently she was working at United Behavioral Health.  Jennifer was known as a dedicated hardworking employee and earned many commendations and awards for her work.   She was respected by her co-workers and teammates.  She will be GREATLY missed by her work family throughout the local company, as well as her special team abroad in India.  

Jennifer became ordained to officiate her best friend’s wedding.  She was so happy to have been able to share in her friend’s special day.  Jennifer was proud to be the daughter of a retired police lieutenant and law enforcement instructor and carried this pride into her personal life by volunteering her time with the “Shop with a Cop” program.  Her passion for supporting law enforcement was a big part of her life. 

Jennifer LOVED music.  She enjoyed attending concerts and was once the lead singer in a band.  She had a beautiful voice and even competed in a karaoke contest held in Las Vegas.  Music brought her joy and happiness.

Jennifer’s family remembers her as a very loving and beautiful person.  She was very creative and enjoyed making crafts, especially with her god daughters Michaela and Mackenzie.  She had a caring soul and was a ray of sunshine.  She will be missed so much by her family and all of her friends.  Especially her “sisters of the heart” Nikki and Tammy.

Jennifer was a very spiritual person and felt a deep connection to the divine and love of nature which gave her support and comfort.

Jennifer is joined in heaven with her loving father John and her grandparents. 

She is survived by mother: Marlene Kauppinen; sister: Shari Brazil; aunts: Debbie Esselstrom, Judith Renmoe and Elaine Kauppinen; Uncles: Bill Kauppinen and Roger Nelmark; cousins:  Steve Nelmark, Billy, Tom and Julie Kauppinen, Alayna Esselstrom, Peter Pomaville, Jody Nelmark and Michael Nelmark;  God Daughters: Michaela and Mackenzie; best friends Nikki and Tammy;  numerous friends and her precious cat Spirit Rose. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Jennifer to “Shop with a Cop”, c/o Virginia Police Department.

The Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Liz Cheney will officiate. A Gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .