Lawrence James Addison "Larry" Kupka

1941 - 2025

Lawrence 'Larry' James Addison Kupka

Lawrence "Larry" James Addison Kupka, 83, of Embarrass, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at New Perspective Senior Living in Barnum, Minn., with his family by his side.

Larry was born to Lawrence and Elizabeth (Andrus) Kupka on September 2, 1941, in Duluth, Minn., and grew up on the family farm in Meadowlands, Minn.

Larry graduated from Toivola-Meadowlands High School in 1960, where he was active in football, baseball, track and field, and the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He then attended Hibbing Community College where he graduated with an Associate in Arts (AA) degree in 1962.

Larry dreamed of becoming a high school math teacher and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth in this quest. Unfortunately, Larry was called back to Meadowlands to save the family farm a few short months before his graduation.

Larry was hired to work at Reserve Mining Company in Babbitt, Minn., in 1966 and served as a production truck driver until the company's closure in 1982.

Larry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Burton, on February 13, 1971, at the Assembly of God Church in Babbitt, Minn., and made their home in Embarrass, Minne., where they lived throughout their union. They were blessed with three children during this time: Christine, Lance, and Heather.

During the lean times of the 1980s mining recession, Larry did whatever he could to provide for his family. He worked from dawn to dark in the timber industry, grooming the area's first snowmobile trails, and on the assembly line at Tire Cycle. However, Larry was never too tired to ask his daughters about their days or play catch with his son.

Larry was hired at Hibbing Taconite Company (HTC) in April 1989. He served as a proud member of crew "D" until his retirement in September 2011. Larry formed many valuable friendships during his time at HTC. On the day of his retirement, production at HTC was completely stopped for the first time in its history to celebrate his tenure.

Larry recognized the importance of education and closely monitored his children's progress in school. was incredibly proud that all three of his children became teachers and earned multiple advanced college degrees.

Larry was a jack of all trades. Instead of hiring someone else, he completed any electrical, plumbing, or renovation needed at the house. Larry fixed anything mechanical whenever it broke down.

Larry loved to hunt and fish throughout his life. He forgot more about deer hunting than most people remember. Rarely did Larry complete a deer season without putting venison in the freezer.

Larry was a small man in stature but had a huge heart, especially when it came to his family. He coached his children in many of their sports and rarely missed any of their games, concerts, etc. When Larry's grandchildren were born, he beamed with pride. He moved mountains to ensure he attended all of their important events.

After the death of his sister, Katherine, Larry served as a surrogate father to her children, Lori, Sharon, Sandy, & Alan. Dressed in a powder blue tuxedo, his face swelled with pride as he walked Sharon down the aisle on her wedding day.

Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents, Lawrence & Elizabeth; sisters, Katherine, Alice, Carol, and Shirley; niece, Lori Sannes; and nephew, Allen Sannes.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Chris (Scott) Hautala of Hibbing; son, Lance (Katherine) of Hibbing; and daughter, Heather (Joe) Tomczak of Eveleth. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Nicholas Tiedeman, Lindsey (Aaron) Hallam, Allyson Hautala, John (Leah) Tomczak, AnnMarie Kupka, and Olivia Tomczak as well as Great-grandchildren: James Hallam, Henry Hallam, and Hayden Lorance Tomczak. Larry is also survived by his sisters, Linda (Gary) Typpo and Margaret (Harold) Janke; sister-in-law, Bonnie Olson and her daughter's Connie Olson and Shanon (Keith) Urbanski; nieces, Sharon (Gary) Libal, Sandy (Gary) Lemke; sister-in-law, Beverly (Jonathan) Hill; and many other extended family members.

Graveside services will be held on June 20 at Argo Cemetery in Babbit. Pastor Christine Forsythe will officiate.

Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. To sign the online guestbook or to send condolences, please visit rangefuneralhomes.com.