Ronald A. “Ron” Kupper, 73, of Shawano, passed away Friday, May 8, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family after fighting a long battle with cancer.
Ron was born on Feb. 8, 1942, in Appleton, a son of the late Adrian and Dorothy (Kehl) Kupper. Ron spent his childhood years in Antigo, attending Peace Lutheran School. The family moved to Shawano in 1956. He attended Shawano High School, graduating in 1960. Following high school, Ron attended Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, earning his master barber and shop manager license. He barbered in Green Bay and Shawano. In the late 1960s he went to work for Wright Broiler as a salesman, retiring in 1999 after 30 years of service.
Ron missed his career, so following his retirement he went to work for Fisher Meat Products of Deerbrook. Ron continued to be active in sales for several years until retiring due to declining health. Ron was active in his community, serving on the city of Shawano Tree Advisory Board and the Shawano County Board of Supervisors. He attended meetings until a few months before his death.
He was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. In the past he served on the St. James School Board and as a Cubmaster. He and his wife, Karen, chaperoned several national youth gatherings for St. James. Ron was a family man. He lived his life for his Lord and family, instilling values he felt were important.
Ron was very proud of his cabin in the woods that he built with the help of family and friends. Ron’s idea of relaxing was playing cribbage, camping, golfing, gardening, making wood or working on cabin projects. He also enjoyed spending time with his family either at home or at the cabin. He was the pillar of the family and will be sadly missed.
Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Karen (Gould) Kupper, who was his high school sweetheart. They were united in marriage on Feb. 16, 1963, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Clintonville. He is also survived by his two loving children, Kellie (Dean) Hartmann and Kip Kupper (special friend, Ruth), both of Shawano; three grandchildren, Sarah (David) Puma, Emily Hartmann (fiancé Carmine Linea) and Jacob Hartmann (special friend Ashley), all of Shawano; four great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Marribelle Puma, Sophia Hartmann and Violet Linea. Ron is also survived by one brother, Curt (Jean) Kupper, of Shawano.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Ron will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church of Shawano. Pastor Ted Andrada will officiate. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery following the service. Relatives and friends may call at Mickelson Funeral Service on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, from 4-7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family prefers memorials in Ron’s name for St. James Lutheran Church and School.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
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