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BORN
1933
DIED
2025
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John Kuper Obituary
December 24, 1933 - February 25, 2025
John "Jack" Richard Kuper, Jr., 91, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Harmony of Waterloo, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
He was born December 24, 1933, in Parkersburg, daughter of John and Ella (Hilfers) Kuper. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1953. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1955, during which time he served in Germany.
Jack married Barbara A. Baker on June 9, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. She preceded him in death on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. He worked at Rath Packing Company, and later for Waterloo Community Schools. By far his favorite job though was working as groundskeeper at the Waterloo Municipal Stadium. Baseball was the center of Jack and Barb's life. He coached the Optimist Cubs team from 1959-1994, impacting countless kids, who to this day would still come to visit him. He and Barb were also season ticket holders for Waterloo Baseball for over 50 years.
Jack is survived by his children, Sherry (Roger) Even of Jefferson City, MO, Kathy (Bob) Diering of Saint Louis, MO, and TJ (Joan) Kuper also of Saint Louis; grandchildren, Kristin (Jacob) Bryant, Kaley (James) Refenes, Nick (Jordan) Kuper, and Sarah (Hugh) Keene; his great-grandchildren, Maclee, Charli, Dobson, and another due in March; brother-in-law, John Baker of Decorah; and all of his players who wore the Optimist Cubs jersey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Barbara.
A celebration of Jack and Barb's lives will be held Friday, June 20, 2025, 4 to 8 p.m., at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave. Memorials may be directed to the Optimist Club of Waterloo, or St. Croix Hospice.
Condolences: www.LockeFuneralServices.com.
Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Rick Manning
April 5, 2025
Condolences to the family. Jack coached a couple of my brothers in Optimist baseball. Without guys like Jack and Howard Coffin, we may not have had any summer baseball. Jack sacrificed his time and energy to help mold young boys into young men. Will always be thankful for that. May he rest in peace.
Jensen
March 1, 2025
Your parents were our favorite customers at the Dairy Queen.
So sorry for your loss.
T & J Jensen
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