Robert "Bob" John Kauppinen, 77, Wausau, passed away in the presence of his loving wife and family September 24, 2015 at Cedar Ridge Hospice Facility. He was born on July 30, 1938 to Veikko Armas Kauppinen and Helea Elaine Parviainen in Ishpeming, MI.  Prior to attending college Bob served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960.Bob graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 1963 and received his Master's Degree in 1973. While attending college he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service organization and also met his future wife, Marie, who he married on February 20, 1965. They spent the next 50 years happily married.Bob taught English for 31 years in the Wausau School District, holding positions at John Muir Middle School and Wausau East High School.His interests included reading, history, crossword puzzles, watching the news and NCIS and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of BPOE 248 Elks Lodge for over 30 years, the National Education Association, the Wisconsin Education Association, and the Wausau Finnish-American Club.He is survived by his wife Marie Kauppinen, Wausau WI, son Tim Kauppinen, Verona WI, daughter Tara (Jason) Hoff, Appleton WI, grandchildren Kelsie, Kambria, Kiala, Kadon, and Keion Kauppinen, Verona WI, Alyssa and Logan Liesenfelder, Appleton WI, Mackenzie Liesenfelder, Wausau WI, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Paul (Tina) Carlson and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by parents, his brother William Kauppinen and his sister Patricia Whalen. Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home Wednesday, September 30, 2015, Pastor Joy will be officiating, Visitation 9:00a.m. – 11:00a.m. A Memorial Service with Military Honors at 11:00a.m., luncheon to follow.John J. Buettgen is assisting the family at this time. Online condolences can be made at www.Honorone.com