Thomas "Tom" Eugene Dupler

Thomas Eugene “Tom" Dupler, 85, passed away on November 29, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his small but fiercely loving family — exactly the way he would have wanted it.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on December 12, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Hala Cemetery, Rural Amana.

Tommy was born on July 28, 1940, to Marlin Edgar Olmsted Dupler and Vera Alwilda (Ellison) Dupler. He grew up on the family farm near Toddville, Iowa, alongside his siblings Marlin Jr., Shirley (Matheny), and Joseph Lyle Steggall. Life on the farm taught him the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and the ability to fix just about anything with baling wire and determination — skills he kept for life.

He attended school in Alburnett and Woodrow Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids.

On February 13, 1960, Tom married the love of his life, Sandra Leona (Zangerle). They shared 65 years of adventure, partnership, and the kind of teasing humor only true soulmates can get away with. Together, they were blessed with two children: Roger Thomas (Charlene Kautz) of Wales, WI, and Ellen Kathleen (Myron Kloubec) of Amana, IA.

Tom and Sandra built a lively, multi-generational family that he was immensely proud of. They were grandparents to six: Nicholas J. L. Kloubec (Holly) of Amana, Meghan A. Reutzel (Adam) of Cedar Rapids, Everett D. Dupler (fiancé Victoria) of Minneapolis, and Charles R. Dupler (Morgan Wischstadt) of Wisconsin.

Tom was also grandfather to Emily LaRene Kloubec and Marlin Thomas Dupler, who preceded him in death — losses he carried quietly but deeply.

He delighted in his five great-grandchildren — Britton Kloubec; Rue and Wren W-Dupler; and Gracie and Carsyn Hand - each of whom brought him fresh reasons to smile, brag, and teach to love black licorice and black olives. To them, and to nearly everyone who knew him, he was fondly known as "Bumpa," a nickname given to him by his first grandson, Nick — a child's version of Grandpa that stuck for the rest of his life.

Tom began his professional career working with his father and uncles at Penick & Ford before entering the plumbing and steamfitter trade. He was a proud member of Local 125 until his retirement. Over the years, he built not only a reputation for expert skill, but a long list of friends — the kind who could swap union stories for hours and still laugh like it was the first time.

He and Sandra also established and operated Sandra Lee's Beauty Salon in Cedar Rapids and Lunker Land in rural Swisher. Tom pretended to supervise, but everyone knew Sandra was the boss.

Tom devoted many years to helping his daughter, Ellen, and son-in-law, Myron, at Kloubec Koi Farm. "Maintenance" became both his job title and his passion since 1981. Whether he was fixing a pump, installing miles of pipe, or offering advice, he was in his element.

Some of Tom's happiest moments were spent outdoors — fishing vacations with son, Roger, and family, hunting mushrooms, and tending his enormous vegetable gardens. Every spring, he grew enough tomato plants to supply family, friends, neighbors, and likely half the county. If you ever mentioned you might plant a garden, you'd soon find seedlings on your doorstep. And, he LOVED dogs!

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Frank and Ellen Zangerle; his siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law; and his grandchildren Emily LaRene Kloubec and Marlin Thomas Dupler.

Tom had a rare gift for making people feel at ease. He was warm, quick with a joke, and always ready with a playful grin. And yes — he was a flirt. A completely innocent, good-natured, old-fashioned flirt who could make a waitress blush, a neighbor laugh, or a stranger feel instantly like an old friend. It was part of his charm and a trademark that those who loved him will remember with a smile. He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, grit, humor, and affection — and a family who will forever miss his stories, his stubbornness, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye.

Memorials may be directed to Metro Catholic Outreach, 420 6th Street SE Suite 120, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401.