With profound sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Ambrose Tupy, the devoted Tupy family patriarch and friend to all whose lives he touched. He passed away on April 12, 2023 at the Owatonna Hospital after suffering a brief illness. He was 92. Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, April 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Friends greeted the family starting at 9:30 AM at the church. A Knights of Columbus Rosary was recited at the church.
Joe was born on a farm three miles east of New Prague, MN, on May 27, 1930, to second generation Czech farmers William B. and Mayme E. Tupy. With his brothers, Joe learned to farm the 80-acre homestead in the 'old way' (no automation) which made him a very earnest, hardworking young man.
In 1946, a mutual friend set Joe up on a date with a cute and feisty Czech girl, Gladys Sticha. Little did either know they were about to meet the love of their lives. In 1950, they married and spent the next 72 years as best friends would: inseparable. Together, Joe and Gladys explored the world and enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, motorcycle touring, Czech music, making new friends wherever they roamed, and raising a cherished family.
Joe was a jack of all trades and master of so many. He retired from Owatonna Tool Company (OTC) after 30 years as a Tool and Die Machinist and Supervisor. In retirement, he enjoyed jobs around the community hauling freight, fixing machinery and entertained the 'old folks' at Brooks and Countryside with his beautiful concertina playing. One of his favorite jobs was driving semi-trucks where he could take along his BFF (Best Furry Friend), Toby and, later, Mickey.
Joe is survived by his wife of 72 years, Gladys; son Joe Jr.; daughters Gigi Sims (Mike Allwein), Marlene Schroeder, Diane Rouse (Mike), Kathy McEvers (Bruce), Cindy (Doug Green), son-in-law Jerry Schroepfer, 25 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Jo Schroepfer, and brothers Bill Tupy and Jerry Tupy. |