John A. Kuper

KUPER, ESCHEN, WILSON, HUNTER, JACKSON, OHRT, PERRY, CARINS, WITTE

Posted By: diane beier (email)
Date: 3/26/2016 at 13:20:05

John A. Kuper, 83, of Independence, Iowa died Sunday morning, November 15, 2015 at Unity Point – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

John was born on January 24, 1932 in Independence, Iowa the son of George H. and Ethel M (Eschen) Kuper. He was a 1950 graduate of the Independence High School. He then attended the Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN then transferred to Wartburg in Waverly, Iowa graduating in 1955. John enlisted in the US Navy in 1955. He served with the Electronic Counter Measure Squadron One stationed in Japan until being transferred to the Glenview Naval Base in Glenview, Illinois. He later served aboard the USS Robert K. Huntington, assigned to the Admiral’s staff aboard the USS Oriskany, the USS Randolph, and the USS Enterprise prior to his retirement and discharge in 1974.

He was married to Virginia Ann Wilson on December 14, 1958 in Independence, Iowa. Following his discharge the family returned to Independence, Iowa where John was employed with the John Deere Company in Waterloo, IA and later with the Mental Health Institute in Independence.

He was a member of the Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440 in Independence serving in many of the organizations leadership roles. He loved spending time with his family, woodworking, and making clocks.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia, five children; Melinda (Dennis) Hunter, Brandon, IA, Morgan Kuper, Jesup, IA, Richard (Jennifer) Kuper, Colorado Springs, CO, Joni Jackson, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Janet Kuper, Independence, IA. Eleven Grandchildren, two Great Grandchildren, and two sisters; Evelyn Ohrt, Independence, IA and Jean Perry Chinco Hills, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Lawrence Kuper in 2011, and two sisters; Neva Carins and Shirley Witte.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday at the Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence with Rev. Bob Solon officiating.

Inurnment will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM Tuesday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence where a Military Memorial Service will be held at 7 PM Tuesday.