Fred H. Dupert Jr

On November 24, 2025, Fred Harold Dupert, Jr., age 77, came face to face with his Papa-the One who walked with him and guided him every moment of his life on earth. From the moment the eyes of Fred's heart first saw Him, he faithfully followed Him. The Love that captured Fred's heart flowed outward to everyone who came in contact with him.

Fred was born on April 15, 1948, in Lewistown, PA, and graduated from Lewistown Granville High School in 1967. He is survived by his wife, Patsy (Nester); his son Jared and his wife Ashley (Skaggs); and his granddaughters Riley, Peyton, Braylin, and Charley Dupert of Tea, SD, as well as Gretchen Petresky of Carlisle, PA. His son Jason and his parents, Fred H. Dupert and Winifred R. (Bookwalter) Dupert, preceded him in death. His sister, Linda Dupert, resides in Lewistown, PA. He is also survived by Maurice and Janice Nester and John and Belinda Nester, all of Mechanicsburg, and by Jodie Nickel of Mount Holly Springs, PA, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fred and Pat were married on August 2, 1968, in Wichita Falls, TX, at Shepherd Air Force Base. Fred served as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force as a helicopter mechanic from May 1968 to May 1972, including service in Pleiku, Vietnam from December 1970 to September 1971.

In June 1972, he began his Federal Civil Service career as a mechanics helper at the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Carlisle PA where he retired in 2001 as Roads and Land Supervisor. He continued working in the same capacity for several government contractors until 2009. From then until 2017, he loved working and serving at Christ Community Church and the Joy Center. When Fred and Pat moved to South Dakota to be near family, he first worked at Brooks Construction as a truck operator and most recently served as a mechanic for Select Paint in Harrisburg, SD. He sure loved Matt and all his coworkers there-they gave him a place to "tinker" and a group of men he cared about deeply.

Fred first came to believe in God in Vietnam through two dear friends, Lynn Schwartzkopf and Tom Dunn, who shared the gospel with him. He was baptized in the South China Sea and served at a leper camp there whenever possible. Later, Fred and Pat attended Mechanicsburg Assembly of God in Mechanicsburg, PA, and then Christ Community Church in Camp Hill, PA. After moving to South Dakota, they attended Church at the Gate in Sioux Falls until At The Table Church began in September 2022. Fred didn't just attend churches-he faithfully served in many different capacities, always offering his hands, his heart, and his presence.

Fred loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He enjoyed having his fingers in the dirt and his feet on the ground. Lawn mowing was therapeutic for him-a place where he talked with his Papa and worked things out in the quiet. When he finished, people always noticed how well everything was cared for, just like anything or anyone else he touched. He loved his family-his sons, his daughter-in-love, his granddaughters, and the friends they brought into his life. He had countless friends, each one held in a special place in his heart. Fred was truly a people person. Wherever he went, he carried the Love that filled him-and it "leaked" out everywhere.

Fred kept his promises. He and Pat, at such a young age, vowed "for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part." He kept that promise. She kept hers. For 56 years, they were a wonderful gift to one another. And finally, he kept this promise: "Follow me as I follow Christ."

Live loved-just like Fred.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to At the Table Church (Fred Dupert Memorial). Make sure to select Fred Dupert Memorial from the dropdown menu.

A memorial open house will be held Saturday, November 29th, from 5 pm to 8 pm at 2701 N Swan Circle Tea, SD 57064. Inurnment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD, at 3:00PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ellsworth & Willoughby Funeral Homes in Madison.

www.ewfhs.com