Thief River Falls – Annabelle Safira Cuppett, 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls, surrounded by her loving family.
Annabelle Safira Peterson was born January 10, 1931, in Wannaska, Grimstad Township, daughter of Hilda and Walter Peterson. She was baptized in her parent’s home on January 20 1931, and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River on November 26, 1944. She attended elementary school in Middle River and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1949, where she was active in band and choir.
Annabelle was united in marriage to James Paul Cuppett, on August 11, 1951, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls. They had four children: Terri, Chris, Marchell and Paul. In 1957, the couple returned to Thief River Falls, where they raised their family.
Annabelle stayed at home to raise her children for several years and later was employed as a bank teller at Union State Bank in Thief River Falls, which eventually became Norwest Bank and then Wells Fargo. Annabelle loved jigsaw and word find puzzles and having coffee with neighbors. She was known for all her holiday decorations; no matter the season her home was always appropriately decorated. Annabelle was part of a dedicated walking group, which walked year-round throughout Thief River Falls.
She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she served on the Altar Guild for many years and participated in WELCA. She was also a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as President of Post 117 and President of Minnesota District 9 of the Auxiliary from 1972–1973. She was also a member of the 9th District Past Presidents Parley. She was very involved with Girls State through the local Legion Auxiliary. Annabelle also served on Sanford Hospital auxiliary, where she worked in the gift shop and visitor welcoming duties.
Annabelle is survived by four children, Reverend Terri Cuppett, Thief River Falls, Chris Cuppett, Thief River Falls, Marchell Cuppett (Michael Szemeredy) Tampa, FL and Paul (Joanna) Cuppett, Colorado Springs, CO; five grandchildren, Derek Austin, Kyle Austin, Haley Taylor, Brexon Cuppett, and Ryder Cuppett; and three great-grandchildren, Jethro, Scottlyn and Porter Austin, Omaha, NE.
Annabelle is preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Jim Cuppett; her parents; her sisters, Dorothy (Mickey) Lindquist, Walnut Creek, CA, and Fern Kranz, Thief River Falls.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend Stephanie White officiating. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, at a future date.
Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service with Reverend Terri Cuppett presiding. Visitation will also be available for one hour prior to service at the church on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1300 East Nora Street, Thief River Falls, MN 56701, Girls State: (https://www.legion-aux.org/ala-girls-state),
and Hospice of the Red River Valley (https://www.hrrv.org).
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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