KUPKER, Arnold 1926-2002

KUPKER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 1/31/2009 at 22:09:49

Arnold Kupker, former local resident, passes away, on November 25, 2002. Arnold "Kup" Kupker, was born October 1, 1926, to Harm and Emma Kupker in Charles City, Iowa.

Arnold was preceded in death by both his parents and his lovely bride, Barbara. He leaves behind one sister: Doris (Kupker) Buelow; two children: John Kupker and Sheryl (Kupker) Madden; one son-in-law: Jerry Madden; and two grandsons: Ryan Kupker and Bryce Madden. Arnold graduated from Charles City High School in 1945. He was a three-year starter on the Charles City High School Football Team, a two-time All-State First-Team Defensive-End and a two-time All-State Honorable-Mention Offense-End. As a senior (1944 - 1945 season) the football team went undefeated. Arnold was also a member of the Charles City High School Track Team. He ran the 100 yard dash, the open 220 (yard), was a member of the 4 x 100 (yard) relay team, and competed in the long jump. As juniors, the 4 x 100 (yard) relay team set the Iowa State High School record, which stood for several years.

After the High School, he entered Military Service and serviced until after World War II. In 1951, Arnold graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Commerce. Following Horace Greeley's suggestion: He proceeded west; to Utah, Idaho, and Montana, and continuing his Greeleyon journey all the way to Washington. Along the way, he met and married a local schoolmarm, in 1956. Arnold made his fortune as a traveling salesman, selling various types construction materials. Upon retirement, he helped raise his eldest grandson, Ryan. After his wife's, Barbara, death in 1992, he and grandson, Ryan, traveled together, making some of the trips that were intended to be take with his wife. In 2002, he was nominated and became a finalist for Seattle Mariners Father of the Year, but was too ill to attend the ceremony.

Dad died November 25, 2002, 10 years to the date from Barbara's death. It was his plan to do it that way; he said that way we would have one day to grieve. He had an amazing sense of humor, a stubborn streak, and wisdom. He spent his last week making the transition easier on those left behind, and harassing the hospital staff.

Services were held Tuesday, December 3rd, 2003, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in Bellevue, Washington.

Due to the large number of family and friends in North Dakota - Minnesota area, a second service will also be held this summer in Fargo, North Dakota. Date and time to be determined.

Memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army, any post.