Gerald Richard Tupa

Gerald Richard Tupa, age 79 of Silver Lake, Minnesota, passed away September 13, 2021.

He was born on July 12, 1942 in Hutchinson, Minnesota to Jerry and Gertrude (Mallak) Tupa.

On April 23, 1965, he was joined in marriage to Sandra Lu Schlueter at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills, Minnesota. Together they raised four children.

Gerald was employed at Crystal Farms ever since he turned sixteen starting as an egg processor and worked in the cooler. He then drove semi and delivered eggs, but mainly worked as a mechanic. He was employed with the company for 42 years and earned a reputation as an incredibly hard worker who was dedicated to the job. He was also a talented craftsman that had so many skills; he could be hired for pretty much any carpentry job out there. Many carpentry jobs were worked on with his dad including shingling and roofing houses, building barns and building his own home. He also helped other family members with their building projects. After his retirement, he wanted to stay active, so he worked as a bus driver for the Silver Lake and Hutchinson school districts.

Gerald favorite past times included camping and being out on the lakes catching fish, no matter the season. He could spend hours in a boat or on the ice and was content just enjoying the company of those who went fishing with him. Some of his favorite spots were in Nevis, MN and Lake Ripley in Litchfield, MN. 

He wasn’t known to be an outgoing person, but every now and then he could surprise his family and friends with his quick humor and jokes. He was humble, quiet, and a good listener. Gerald would do anything to provide for his family, and he took pride in working hard to give them anything they needed. His family was his primary focus and especially loved his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Melissa; parents, Jerry and Gertrude; brother, Kennneth; and nephew, Matthew Tupa.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sandra; children, Keith Tupa, Wayne Tupa, Luann Tupa, and Lori (Bruce) Schleif; grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Zachary, and Joshua Schleif; many sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM with a Memorial Service beginning at 3:00 PM all at Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake, MN. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.mareshfuneralhome.com