Lawrence Lupkes

Rock Rapids, IA     Lawrence Lupkes age 74 of Rock Rapids, IA died Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN.     Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 19th at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, with Deacon Jeff Gallagher and Rev. Dan Kordahl officiating.    Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.        Visitation will be Sunday, March 18th with family present from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.   Memorials may be directed to: Rapids Theater.      Lawrence D. Lupkes was born April 9, 1943 at Rock Rapids, IA the son of John and Gertie (Bodde) Lupkes.  Lawrence attended and graduated from Rock Rapids High School.  He served his country in the United States Air force and, upon his honorable discharge, returned home to Rock Rapids.  He was united in marriage to Beth Smith on September 9, 1967 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids.  They made their home in Rock Rapids and Lawrence helped on the family farm.  Although Lawrence had various jobs during his lifetime, the farm was always very dear to him.  For many years Lawrence delivered rural mail at Rock Rapids.  He enjoyed volunteering with many organizations.  He also was the Mayor of Rock Rapids for several years.  He and Beth loved to travel and together they have visited many states and countries.  He also enjoyed gardening in his retired years.  He and Beth opened their home to three foster children and nine foreign exchange students.  As Lawrence’s health declined he was admitted to the Luverne Sanford Hospice Cottage where he died this past Wednesday evening at the age of 74.      Lawrence is survived by his wife, Beth of Rock Rapids; their children, Tammy (Don) Hoppe of Rock Rapids, IA and their children, Michael (Amanda) Hoppe of Rock Rapids, IA and Mackenzie Hoppe of Phoenix, AZ; Terri (Dan) Christensen of Rock Rapids, IA and their children, Nile Christensen and Owen Christensen of Rock Rapids, IA; foster-daughter, Paula (Galen) Kats of Rock Valley, IA and her children, Mandy, Joshua and Michael; along with his siblings, Gloria (Chuck) Ditsworth of Okoboji, IA; Nancy (Louie) Steenblock of Rock Rapids, IA and Lester Lupkes of Rock Rapids, IA.      He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertie Lupkes.