Steven E. Kuphal

Obituary

Steven Elmer Kuphal was born in Gaylord on September 8, 1958, to Lois and Elmer Kuphal. He was baptized on September 28, 1958, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was later confirmed there. He graduated from Gaylord High School in 1977.

On October 14, 1989, Steve married Donna Twetten at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington. They lived in Gaylord. Steve worked at Gaylord Lakeview Home, Westgate apartments and Immanuel Lutheran School, both the new and the old buildings as maintenance/janitor.

Steve and Donna loved cats and throughout their marriage took in many of them. Steve loved those years with all the kitties. He also loved riding his motorcycles. He enjoyed taking rides to parks on his cycle and going on nature walks. One year, for Steve’s birthday, Donna surprised him with a new red Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved to share that story of how she accomplished that surprise.

Steve, his brother Dave and nephew Kyle all had a common interest in the Green Bay Packers. They attended several games together and once for Steve’s birthday, Dave and Kyle upgraded their seats to the first row in the middle of the field. Steve was very surprised then as well. Steve also enjoyed watching the Twins and horse racing. He enjoyed researching the horses and diving into all the data to make his picks, which was usually done for his own enjoyment with no money on the line. Another story Steve loved to share was how he picked out his sister Kathy at the orphanage because he wanted the one with the round head.

Steve had a real love for children, although Donna and Steve never had children. Steve spent a lot of time at Immanuel Lutheran School and when teacher, Vicky Goltermann, got him more involved with the children, that became a very important part of his life. Steve would help in whatever way he could and befriended the children. He loved the friendship he had with them and the time he could spend there. Vickie and Steve worked on the church sign together and Steve also enjoyed putting up the banners at church. He continued doing those things until he passed.

Steve was also a big writer and did a lot of journaling. He had a great sense of humor and could make a story out of anything. His writing was getting increasingly difficult with his arthritis, which was slowly taking that ability away. When Donna became ill and wished to have hospice care at home Steve cared for her and was by her side as she passed last year.

He will be missed. Blessed be his memory.

Steve is survived by his kitties, Tabitha, Amber and Lilly; brother, Dave Kuphal; sister, Kathy (Lyle) Wiste; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Sherri) Twetten and Neal Twetten; nieces and nephews, Kyle Kuphal, Kaylea Raddatz, Katie (Chris) Lehn, Kelsey (Joe) Washek, Krystal (Luke) Kraft; and several great nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his Parents, Elmer and Lois Kuphal; Wife, Donna Kuphal; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Jim and Lois Twetten.