George Eric Kuper, age 50, left us unexpectedly due to a tragic accident in his home town of Miles City, Montana on Sunday, August 24, 2014.
George was the youngest of three children, born in Jackson, Mississippi on January 30th, 1964, the son of LeRoy and Jackie Kuper. George married his first wife Kristy DeLeon in 1984; and of this marriage his oldest son Matthew was born. He later met Christine Kydland and had three more children; Joshua, Ashlee and Jacob. In 1991 he met his soul mate, Michelle and her son Jeffrey. They married on September 5th, 1992 and the two families became one.
He lived in Miles City, Montana and has been a member of the Sanjel family for the past 10 years, leaving behind countless of friends and acquaintances that he had made a direct impact on during his incredible life. He also took great pride in having three of his sons working alongside him at the job he loved so dearly.
George’s love of life was contagious. He always had a smile on his face and was always the practical joker of the family. He was the ultimate family man; always so proud of his children and grandchildren. His heart of gold led him to put everyone before himself; whether it be family, friends or in many cases complete strangers.
He spent many years coaching hockey and baseball; he considered each of those kids one of his own. He was a cornerstone member of the local NRA chapter and recently joined the Mule Deer Foundation as well. He was a lifelong and proud member of the “Who Dat!” nation, a New Orleans Saints football fan to the bone. Despite many tumultuous years, it never prevented him from going into every season with optimism. He enjoyed bowling, which he played league many years, some of them left handed and was proud of the State Title his team won. He was an incredible pool player who was always willing to give a lesson to anybody that walked in the door. He also enjoyed spending countless hours in his “man cave” playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.
He loved the outdoors, hunting with his father, brother, children, uncles, nephews and friends. He couldn’t wait for his grandkids to be of age to go with him. He loved to go fishing and camping; anything to spend time with his family. He also spent countless of hours upon his Harley, “no ride was a bad ride”. His biggest joy of his life in recent years was becoming a grandpa to his 10 adorable grandchildren. He was a very proud grandpa and loved them more than anything.
He was a devoted husband and loved his beautiful wife, Michelle more than words could ever express. They were destined to be together. They were finally able to take time for each other over the last few years and spent many hours riding his Harley to numerous bike rallies with their friends and/or just out joy riding.
George is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; parents, LeRoy and Jackie Kuper; Children, Matt (Allie) Kuper, Josh (Rochelle) Kuper and their children Kaedyn and Katelyn; Jeffrey (Hannah) Leistiko and their children Jacob, Adrinah, Aceton and Ashton; Ashlee Kuper and her son Teigan; and Jacob (Laura) Kuper and his children Hayden, Jazzmin and Adam; his big brother, John Kuper of Billings, MT; his big sister, Janice (Jerry) LaPrath of Fort Worth, TX; as well as dozens of loving family members and countless of personal friends.
The family will receive Friends on Friday, August 29th, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street in Miles City, MT. Please join us for his service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 30th, 2014 at the Assembly of God Church, 3300 Horizon Parkway in Miles City, MT. The reception will be immediately following it.
A memorial fund has been set up as the Michelle Leistiko Kuper Benefit Fund should anyone wish to make contributions to assist the family in defraying funeral costs at Stockman Bank, P.O. Box 250, Miles City, MT 59301 .
The family greatly appreciates all of the thoughts, prayers and support put forth by all of George’s friends.
Janet Klein says
Kuper Family…upon hearing this sad news, my heart is breaking for all of you! Jackie and Leroy are our neighbors and we would see George coming and going all the time, always checking on mom and dad and being there for them. This very sad news that was in the paper is the first we had heard of this tragedy and we want you to know that all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Another angel is now riding his motorcycle in heaven and is smilng down on all of us!
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Michelle, Nanny, Papa, and kids,
No words can express how very sorry we are about George. He was taken way to soon and will be missed by by a family that loved him very much and his many friends ! We have so many great memories of him during the early years in hockey with all our boys. Always upbeat and always so cheerful. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you, now and in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Terri Newby says
I am so very sorry to hear the news. I liked George, and the entire Kuper family, so much. He always had a kind word, a big smile, and a helping hand. I pray God will wrap his loving arms around all of you, ease your pain, and bring peace to your breaking hearts. May he rest in eternal peace!
Katie Seminole says
Michelle & Family,
I am truly sorry for the loss of George he was a funny, loving, caring husband, dad and grandpa. He will be truly missed by one and all, my deepest condolences. God Bless!
Kim Smarah says
Leroy, Jackie, Michelle and families, my deepest sympathy to all of you on George’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Tami Davies says
We send our sincere sympathy to all of the Kuper Family. It was absolutely devastating to hear of George’s passing. George had a very loving heart for his family, sports and his work. Our community lost a really awesome man, husband, father, son, grandfather, friend, coach and coworker. George was filled with so much goodness. He would give the shirt off his back to a stranger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
William Moore says
I didn’t know George very well. I work For Sanjel, Billings and met him during a 3 day SAFE defensive driving class. I had the privilege of having George in my group. In those 3 days with George I saw in him a kind, caring man with a happy go lucky attitude. He will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to the entire Kuper family and close friends. Another angel in heaven. Another twinkling star in the sky.
Rick and Avis Rost and family says
It is so hard to find something to say when a tragedy like this happens, but we pray for the family, that God will give you strength to get through this. When Isaac was in baseball and hockey is when we truly got to know George and Michelle, and most of the family. George reminded me of his father Leroy, both pleasant and friendly with a hello anytime you saw them. Our prayers go out to the entire family. Praying that your close knit family will hold each other close and remember all the good times you had with George. He will forever be remembered by all who knew him and loved him, and we will always keep the family in our prayers. They say “God only takes the best”. I hope in time this will be a comfort to you all.
Beth Herzog Murray says
Dear Kuper Famiky,
I was a classmate of George’s in high school and remember what a nice person he was. I was so saddened to hear of his passing and want to extend my sincerest condolences for your loss. My prayers go out for George and all of you.
Darrell and Emma Higgins says
Josh, Rochelle, Michelle and the rest of the Kuper family ~ we are so sorry to hear of such a tragedy. One can never prepare for something like this. Hold each other close and talk about all the good times. Share memories, pictures and silly little stories. It will help. May God wrap his arms around each and everyone of you and give you comfort. We are thinking of you all and keeping you in our hearts. Much love from us to you…Darrell & Emma Higgins
Whitney Smith says
Kuper family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew George from hockey, years ago. What an awesome man. He will surely be missed by many people in this community and many communites. I am sure he touched many lives. What an awesome man taken way to soon.
Kelly Klein says
Kuper family,
I was also a classmate of George’s. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. May God grant you peace and the strength to get through this time of mourning. My thoughts and prayers re with you all. He was a great man and is with God now.
Toni Stone (Niedzwiecki) says
Dearest Michelle and Family,
So very sorry to here of your loss. I was a classmate of Georges and I can’t think of a time he wasn’t laughing, joking or making ME smile. Such a wonderful soul. I enjoyed seeing you both at the reunion and still have a beautiful picture of the two of you. I will cherish it always. May angels surround and hold you through this time and may your memories of George make you smile as he has made all of us smile all these years. My love and condolences to you, Michelle and family.
Vaughna Frye says
Kupers; My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time of your life. Do not lose your faith in God, he will help comfort you in the days to come. I am only 20 steps away from your from door Michelle, whenever you need me, call, text, walk over. You have always been one of my dearest friends and your whole family has been part of our lives for the past 15 years. I am here anytime for all of you.
Stanley Markuson says
So sorry to hear of the loss of George. Many memories, mostly involving hockey. George’s state championship team that went 27-0 is a feat that will be difficult to match by anyone. He taught the kids to be good students, positive role models, and most importantly to be good sports and to always take the high road. Wishing strength to the family in the challenging days ahead.
Mary and Tim Hurr says
It is so hard for us to understand why god had taken him from your family and our selfish thinking from us too! He was such a great and truly genuine guy! Willing to help out whenever and wherever he was needed. Always smiling and laughing! Tim is not going to know what to do without all the pranks being pulled on him at work by George. As Tim and I were talking last night I will always have my scar on my knee to remind me of George! LOL
We need to realize that god took him from all of us for reasons that they will only know but he is watching down on you all now. Just keep each other close and cherish all the wonderful memories that you have of him! God Bless and we love you all!
Wes & Ronda Rogge says
Josh, Rochelle & the rest of the Kuper family, we are so sorry for your loss. May God watch over you and be beside you through this tough time. We never can understand why things like this happen. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wes, Ronda, Blake, Amanda, Emily, Tyler, Cassidy, & Jacob
Aaron And Brandy Leischner says
We are very sorry for your loss. I first met George when he woked at Blue Rock and we had several years where we bickered about cooler space and wine sells, but it was always done with a smile and a care free attitude. I pray the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace during this time. You are in our prayers.
Mandy-Jo Kueffler says
My heart is aching for the Kuper family, as well as those of us that were lucky to call him our friend. I worked with George for the past ten years and he was one of my favorite people at Sanjel. Between the smile always on his face and his famous neon shirts, I don’t think any of us could help but smile back! I also had the opportunity to be on the Friends of the NRA Committee with the Kupers and truly enjoyed it. George was the foundation of our committee and we will miss him dearly. Michelle and family, you are in my prayers; and George…you will forever be in our hearts and not far from our thoughts.
Karla Lund says
To the Kuper family, our thoughts are with you. Hockey was a long time ago, but you never forget the memories and those who were a part of your family. God speed.
Kyla Kennedy says
To the Kuper family, I am so sorry for your loss. George will be greatly missed. Have a lot of great memories of our kids playing hockey. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Lourdes Reynolds says
Michelle,kids,grandma and grandpa Kuper-like many others have said…lots of great hockey memories…George was a great coach, kind and thoughtful perfect for those young kids…my heart goes out to you all …
Larry and Leona Dann says
Michelle, Leroy, Jackie and the rest of George`s family. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. We have many fond memories of George through the years, especially from bowling. He was a great guy and will be missed by many people.
RIP George and God Bless the friends and family he left behind.
Mary Halvorson says
Michelle and Family. So very sorry for your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Lee and Dorothy Fraga says
Uncle Leroy, Aunt Jackie, Janice, John, Michelle, Matt,Ashley, Josh, Jacob, Jeff and family. My heart is breaking for all of you. My thought’s and prayers go out to all of you in this difficult time. Stay strong and always remember the good time you had with him, He will always be in our heart. I love you all, stay strong, Lee and Dorothy Fraga and Family
Ron & Barbara Hunziker says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.George did a wonderful job coaching hockey and mentoring the young boys and girls that played for him.May you find comfort in your memories of George.
David and Tina Kuper family says
The Alaska Kupers send our deepest condolences to Leroy and Jackie as well as George’s wife and children. Over the last couple of years we have lost some other Kuper’s and it is a shame that we haven’t been able to stay as close as we would have liked. Between Facebook and my oldest son playing football for the Denver we have been able to get in touch with my dad’s (Bill) family which has been nice because many of these people I havent seen or talked to in 30-40 years which was the last time I was in Laurel to see Grandma Milligan and many of the other Kupers and Milligans. I have been able to learn about many of my family like George and have found out that he coached hockey and other sports like I did and has had a positive influence on the kids he coached. I guess the upside to this tragedy (if there is one) is that George will get to have an All-Star Team to coach for eternity. RIP George and God bless.
GREG LAPP says
I am sorry for your loss. George was a GREAT person.
RIP George. We will see you on the flip side.
Garth Sleight says
This is such a devastating loss for so many people. I enjoyed having George in a class at MCC several years ago. My deepest sympathies go to his family and other loved ones.
Donna Waddell says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Remember bowling with George & Michelle years ago. He always was smiling & had time to say “hi”. May you find comfort in knowing so many people loved him & are praying for you in this difficult time. May God give you His peace.
B & C OIL CREW says
Leroy and family,
We all extend our sincere sympathy to all of you in your tragic loss.
Bill, Patsy, Roger, Ryan and Phil
Jeff Virag says
Michelle, Leroy, Jackie & Families,
George made me laugh everytime I would see him. I couldn’t wait to bowl with you guys on Sundays, Mondays & Wednesdays. Especially the many state bowling tournaments we all went to! Never had so much fun. Every time I hear thunder, I will know George is bowling a strike on the way to another perfect game at Heaven Lanes! May God bless us all & comfort us!!
Karla Field Monteith says
I am so sorry for your loss!!! I will miss George. You are all in my prayers!!
Tracy Schwarzkopf says
So sorry to hear of your sons passing, Leroy . All of your extended Wal-Mart family is thinking of you and your family. Sending thoughts and prayers to each of you.
Kris, Scott, Trevor & Morgan McManus says
Kupers – We have known you for sooo many moons…We are soo sad.. Words cannot express how much George will be missed by you, us and by the community. Michelle-you two were inseparable so please lean on those around you at this time. We are sending many hugs, not just today but everyday. Jackie & Leroy- we cant imagine the loss you feel.. We love you all. Those kiddos will always know who their dad/ grandpa was, as lots of stories held by many.. Prayers to you all!!
Stu Saye says
This Kuper was Super!!! One of THE FINEST people that I have ever had the chance to work with when I was with Sanjel… A very fine LEADER too!!