Vern Kupfer Obituary (1921

Vern King KupferCedar City, UtahTogether Again!On the beautiful fall evening of September 29th, 2012 our dear Father, Grandfather, and devoted Husband, Vern King Kupfer quietly passed from this life and stepped through the veil into the arms of his "Dearest Nola" whom he had missed so deeply for the past 9 years. Vern's passing though difficult, taught each of his children, who at that tender moment encircled him with love, one last profound lesson which was typical in his life, "family unity, togetherness, and love is essential for our happiness."Vern was born in Salt Lake City on March 10th, 1921 to Christian and Marcella King Kupfer. Vern's upbringing was so instrumental in molding him into the man that he would eventually become. His father and mother taught him the principles of honor, faithfulness, integrity, hard work, dependability, and concern for those around him. All of these wonderful character traits were easily recognizable in our father's every day life. Vern did not have gloomy days. He would just simply change his condition by sincerely seeking out ways to serve those around him or endeavor to help them overcome the challenges that they were currently facing. His beautiful smile, soft comforting voice, and sparkling deep blue eyes were enough to make most people quickly forget the trials that they may have been facing. His concern for their well-being was ever present.Vern spent most of his growing up years in Brigham City, Utah where he worked in the orchards and fields owned by his father and brother, Ed. Though he loved the work, his dream was to attend college, which he did at Utah State University until the outbreak of World War II. Like many of his generation, Vern joined the Army and served his country honorably obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant in the 766th Field Artillery Battalion that fought in the Italian Campaign.Dad did not talk much about the war and always told his children that when he joined the military, "he was only doing what was right." He did however tell us that the best thing to come out of the war was that he met his eternal companion, Nola Elese Owens (another Brigham City native) while he was stationed in Los Angeles awaiting his deployment.Vern King Kupfer and Nola met and began dating while attending the Wilshire Ward in Los Angeles. They were married on May 3, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple and were inseparable for 60 years until Nola's passing in 2004.After the war ended, Vern returned and finished his studies at the University of Utah. In the summer of 1947, he and Nola made their way to Cedar City where Vern had accepted a teaching position at the Branch Agricultural College. From that time forward, Cedar City would be called home. Dad loved Southern Utah and was so proud of the little BAC that grew into the university that is now SUU. During his 39 years as a professor at the university, Vern played a vital roll in the growth of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department. He served as its Department Chair for 13 years and was responsible for many programs that positively influenced the lives of so many students that passed through that department.From 1953-55, Vern and his young family traveled to Iran and worked with the US State Department in assisting the Iranian government in establishing secondary educational schools throughout the country. This was a time of adventure for Vern and his family and also one of service to a people who sorely needed those facilities.In 1968, Vern and his colleagues from College of Southern Utah (SUU) established a residential program for students with severe disabilities who came to the program from communities all over Southern Utah. This program was the first of it's kind and gave psychology and social science students the opportunity to work with this population. In 1970, in collaboration with Clair Morris of Iron County School District, Vern lead the effort to establish the first public school based classroom for students with severe disabilities. This program was well ahead of its time and served as a model for programs in many school districts throughout the western United States. This effort on Vern's part truly typified who he was. Vern cared for all individuals and truly loved and respected each individual he met for who they were and the qualities that they possessed.Vern served on the Utah State Board of Aging and Adult Services for many years and was the Chairman of that board in 2000. His work with Senior Programs and Councils in Southern Utah spanned many years and he continued that association right up until the time of his death. Vern was also instrumental in the development of the SUU and U of U Gerontology Certification programs.Dad was talented in so many ways. He loved to be busy whether it was working with a piece of wood in his shop, working on the yard, playing the organ or the accordion, helping a neighbor with a project, or taking care of Mom's honey do's. Dad was happiest when he was engaged in good works. No job was to big to be tackled, "you just needed to get started and work through it." That was his motto.Anything written about Dad would not be complete if it did not mention his devotion to his wife, his children, and his Church. He was constantly aware of Mom and her needs and was so gentle and caring with her in their years together. Her happiness was always his first concern and he worked hard to make sure that her comfort and happiness were ensured. He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren. His presence at church activities, athletic events, dance competitions and graduations was something he truly enjoyed. Grandpa was always in the stands being his posterity's greatest fan and each of us were truly blessed by that support. Vern can now cheer on his grandchildren, Kori and Clutch who passed before him.Dad loved the Gospel and at age 91 was adamant that he continue to attend his weekly church meetings, as well as faithfully completing his duties as a home teacher. He regularly attended the Temple and was so happy when he was there. Throughout his life he was a great example of doing what was right, just because "it was right!" His testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ was unshakeable.Vern is survived by his six children: Sandra (Reed) Robinson of Mesa AZ, Lee (Leslie) Kupfer of Parowan UT, Kurt (Karen) Kupfer of Ogden UT, Lisa (Larry) Cousin of South Jordan UT, Marsha (Keith) Millett and Chris (Shelly) Kupfer both of Cedar City UT. Vern also leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.Dad, we will miss your sense of humor and wit, your charity, your sincere love and affection for others, your strong testimony of the Gospel, and your shining example of how to live an honorable life. Dad, we love you dearly and thank you for the exemplary life that you led. We will now look forward to that time when we can once again be reunited in Heaven as an eternal family. We thank you for that opportunity!Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00pm in Cedar City, Utah at the17th Ward Chapel located at 350 South 900 West. There will be a viewing from 6-8 pm on Thursday Oct 4th at Southern Utah Mortuary and again from 12:30 - 1:30pm on Oct 5th at the church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.The family would like to thank the staff at Valley View Medical Center and Alliance Hospice for the wonderful care they gave our Father during this last week of his life. A special thank you is also extended to Marie Prince and the other Iron County Home Health staff for the loving assistance that they provided to our Father over the past several years.