Joseph Keith Kupish's Obituary
Joseph Keith 'Joe Stick' Kupish, 62, of Portland, Oregon, originally of Decatur, Illinois, returned to his heavenly Father on Monday afternoon, April 8, 2013 at Pacific Care Home following a 13 year struggle with atypical Parkinson disease.
Joe was born February 28, 1951 to William E. and Dorothy M. (Shea) Kupish in Decatur. He attended St. Patrick Grade School, Eisenhower High School, and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Business Degree in 1973. He was later awarded his Masters Degree and earned his CPA. He worked as auditor and Chief Financial Officer at several companies in the Quad Cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Portland areas, as well as an adjunct college professor. He was also owner of several business ventures through the years.
Joe is survived by his three sons: Nate (Hillary) Kupish; Preston Kupish, and Spencer Kupish of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Brothers: Chris (Diana) Kupish of Blue Mound, IL; Jim Kupish and John Kupish of Decatur, IL; David (Debbie) Kupish of Olathe, KS. Sisters: Marie (Jim) Luedke of Sullivan, IL; Rita (Chris) Standerfer of Chandler, AZ; Dorothy (Larry) Stark of Greensburg, IN; and Lucy DelSarto of Olathe, KS, numerous nieces and nephews, and his ex-wife, Susan Kupish (fiance, Paul) of Lake Oswego, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, William E. Kupish, Jr., and nephews Michael T. Kupish and Will Luedke.
Joe will be greatly missed by many. According to Joe, his greatest accomplishments and source of pride were his sons. He managed to keep his smiling eyes, his sense of humor and humility during his decline, and was uncomplaining throughout the years of his illness. A special thank you to Bill, Elizabeth, and Silvia of Pacific Care ' who lovingly cared for Joe to the end, and to Susan, who saw to it that Joe always got good care and his beloved Treats! When healthy, Joe loved nothing more than a good round or two of golf. He continued to follow the stock market, business pages, and the news until the end. Kind and generous, Joe inspired others to reach higher to achieve their dreams, and was willing to help in any way that he could. Joe will always be loved deeply and unconditionally by his family and friends.
Following a memorial service in Portland, a commemoration of Joe's life will be held at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home in Decatur on Saturday, April 27th from 1-4 PM, followed by a celebration of Eucharistic Mass at St. Patrick Church at 5:30 PM. Memorials: St. Patrick Grade School, Catholic Charities, or Donor's Choice.
'Like the branches of a tree, we may grow in different directions, and yet our roots remain as One. Each of our lives will always be a special part of one another.' Anonymous
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