David Kumpulainen

David William Kumpulainen was born in Ashtabula, OH, on February 4, 1938, and passed away at 8:10 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

David had a gift for making people laugh. Whether he was telling a nurse he was 6’3” — though he was closer to 5’9”, spelling his name as “D-A-V-E” whenever someone asked how to spell it, or joking that his wife was “busy in the bathroom” when friends or family called for her and she was only a few feet away, David brought humor and joy wherever he went.

He was born to William John Kumpulainen and Elma Sofia (Moisio) Kumpulainen. David graduated from Harbor High School in 1956, where he was known as the class clown affectionately nicknamed “Nakes.” David later proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.

David loved watching Jeopardy! often knowing more answers than the contestants. David also enjoyed true crime shows, John Wayne movies, and Indiana Jones. But more than anything, he loved being with his family.

David married the love of his life, Janis (Todd) Kumpulainen, and together they shared 43 beautiful years. Anyone who knew David and Janis knew their love story was something special; the kind of love that made others believe in true love.

To his family, David was a hero. He was the foundation of the family, a steady and loving presence, and a beautiful soul. Every child and animal who met “Papa” loved him. Sitting in Papa’s chair was a rite of passage, and playing hide-and-seek with him often meant finding him standing almost in plain sight behind the curtain.

David is survived by his wife, Janis (Todd) Kumpulainen of 43 years, his children, Katherine (Frank) Kosik, William Mahaffy, Denise Gonzalez, and Marilyn Bucci

His grandchildren Juliana (Chase) Petti, Celeste (Jake) Stevenson, Jazmine Kosik and Tim Kaferle II, Stefon (Jessica) Hagerman, Aurianna Mahaffy, Nelson Gonzalez, Heather (Justin) Ringler, Kerrey Burlingame, and Ronnie Burlingame.

His great grandchildren Joel Petti, Raven Kaferle, Pennie Hagerman, Adriaus Hagerman, Sergio Rosario, Jada Spencer, Jayden Spencer, Justin Ringler, Jose McCain, Dominic Burlingame, Tessa Burlingame, and Skylar Burlingame.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Dakotha Mahaffy (2009) and his parents William John Kumpulainen and Elma Sofia (Moisio) Kumpulainen.

To know David was to love him and to laugh with him.

A Celebration of Life will be announced later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider sending a meal, maid service, or practical support for Janis, because David would probably say flowers are nice, but a clean house is better. LOL

Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Rd, Geneva, OH 44041, assisted the family with arrangements. www.LakeErieCrematory.com.