Thief River Falls – Harold Dupree, 88, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral service to celebrate his life were held Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Casket bearers included Harold's grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers included Harold's fellow Soo Liners.
Interment was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Military honors were provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post 117, Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard.
Harold Jay Dupree was born a twin, on July 29, 1927 at home on the family farm in Traverse County, the son of G.C. and Alma (Mohs) Dupree. He was baptized and confirmed at Munson Lutheran Church, near Wheaton, and attended country school. Because of their physiques, Harold was lovingly known as Slim “Sim” and Gerald was known as “Fat.”
At the age of 18, Harold and his twin brother, Gerald were drafted into service with the United States Army and they were both stationed in Alaska. Following his Honorable Discharge, Harold returned to live in Tintah.
On June 5, 1947, Harold was united in marriage to Mary Kaplor in Campbell and then made their home in Tintah. They farmed in the area until 1954 and then moved to Thief River Falls,. To this union three children were born, David, Harold Jr., and Ruth.
Harold began working for Grunman Brothers Plumbing and was involved in the construction of the Pennington County Courthouse as well as the school in Stephen. In 1956, Harold began his career with the Soo Line Railroad as a Brakeman and retired in 1987.
In 1961, the family moved to a farm in Silverton Township where Harold farmed and raised cattle for the next 38 years. In October 1999 Harold and Mary moved into Thief River Falls where they have continued to reside. Harold continued to work for area farmers, hauling cattle to the sales barns and driving combine during the harvest season.
Harold enjoyed ice fishing, drinking coffee and eating donuts at the bakery, playing cards, gardening, and dancing in his younger years. Harold was content to stay home, tend to his yard, feed the birds and spend time with his loving wife, family and friends. Harold was a kind, caring husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend. He enjoyed giving his grandchildren and neighbor kids treats.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 117, Eagles Club, and the United Transportation Union.
Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Mary; children, David (Judy) Dupree, Harold "Harry" (Sue) Dupree and Ruth (Ron) Ostby all of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Kurt (Ivy) Dupree, Kristy Dupree, Matthew (Sara) Dupree, Ryan (Lisa) Dupree, Rick (Ann) Ostby, Lisa (Mike) Heuer; great-grandchildren, Bren, Mackenzie, Jordyn, Kathryn, Ava, Ian, Evelyn, Nicholas, Alex, Ella, Lucy; siblings, Pearl Anderson of Morris, and Charlie (LaVonne) Dupree of Breckenridge; and many other relatives and friends.
Harold is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Gerald, Mona and Zona; and several half-brothers and sisters.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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