John A. Kupsky

John A. Kupsky, 85, went to his eternal home on Monday, June 20, 2022.

He was the second of three sons and one daughter born to Adolph and Cecelia (Marquardt) Kupsky in Shawano on April 25, 1937.  He attended St. James Lutheran Elementary School in Shawano and Shawano High School, graduating in 1955.  Then he attended Concordia Teachers College, in River Forest, Illinois and graduated with a teaching degree.  Later he attended many classes at UW Stevens Point around Library Science and Wisconsin History.

He taught at Concordia Lutheran Elementary School in Toledo, Ohio, Mount Olive in Houston, Texas, St. Johns in Northbrook, Illinois and in Wausau at Trinity on Stewart.  John ended his 40 year fulltime teaching career by retiring in 2000 after 33 years at Trinity and a total of 40 years, but he continued as a substitute teacher in and around Wausau for the next five years.

Besides classroom teaching, he was the Superintendent of the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School (first one to instate the system of moving mixed age groups from one station to the next) taught bible classes, confirmation classes and early communion classes.  He also set up the library and media center, made the first banners for the church sanctuary and made trips to Baraboo Circus World with his classes.  He also served the North Wisconsin District of the church by being the secretary of the first fulltime board of Camp Luther.

In 1965 he married the love of his life, Elfrieda nee Grandt of Wheeling, Ill. For a life long partnership, which the Lord ended in November of 2008.  They were united in marriage at St. Johns Lutheran Church by John’s great uncle, The Rev. Wm Kupsky.

Survivors include his daughter, Dee Kupsky, Ill.; brother, Carl (Shirley) Kupsky, Sartell, Minn.; brother-in-law, Norbert Scheck, N.D.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents and wife, Elfrieda, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Jagodzinski, sisters-in-law, Lanida and Judy Kupsky and Norma Scheck, a brother, Wesley Kupsky and brother-in-law, Walter Jagodzinski.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau.  Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Ave., Wausau and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Wausau.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com