Harold “Harry” Tupy
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On August 2, 2016 @ 9:12 am In 2016,Obituaries | 12 Comments
A longtime resident of Prior Lake, MN, Harold “Harry” Tupy went home to be with his Lord, early Sunday morning July 31, 2016, in Fort Meyers, Florida.
All of Harry’s services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue, Prior Lake, MN. The visitation will be on Sunday, August 7, from 4-8 pm and on Monday, August 8 from 9:30-10:45 am, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Father Rick Banker will preside and many other priests will concelebrate with him. Harry will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Honor Guard.
In rural Wheatland Township of Veseli, MN, William and Bessie (Sticha) Tupy proudly announced the birth of Harold Glen on May 26, 1940. The fifth of six children, he has fond memories growing up with his siblings, Arlene, Bernice, Arnold, Bernard and Betty. An avid sports fan, Harry excelled at playing softball and baseball. In 1958, he graduated from New Prague High School.
On July 27, 1958, Harry entered the United States Army, as a sharpshooter. Released from active duty, he completed his remaining service obligation in the Army Reserves until 1966. While still serving, Harry returned to school in Minneapolis to earn a degree as a barber. Working in various shops in the city, he decided to turn entrepreneur and open his own shop, which he owned and operated for over 50 years, mostly known as the Hair Mate. We must not forget some other side business adventures of Fresh Baked Cookies and the Prior Lake Cycle and Skate Shop. Due to back issues, Harry switched careers and became a realtor for over 35 years. His favorite slogan was “2 Buy, 2 Sell, Call Tupy.
Harry also dedicated his life to serving the Prior Lake Community. He participated in the Sportsmen Club, Prior Lake and Spring Lake Associations, B & P Club, Lions Club, JC’s and the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Member for the New Market and New Prague organizations. Harry also was instrumental in starting the P.L.A.Y. program.
While praying in a church in Minneapolis, Harry unknowingly met the love of his life of 52 years, Regina “Gina” Collins. They had so much fun together and on June 6, 1964, Harry and Gina wedded at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kendall, WI. Establishing their home in Prior Lake, Harry and Gina raised four active boys, Craig, Garry, Brett and David.
Most important in Harry’s life was his family, friends and especially his faith. He was always a faithful servant of the Lord and supported Gina’s passion and love for the youth of St. Michael’s Church. In their free time, Harry and Gina loved to travel and go dancing. His boys meant the world to him and Harry was always there supporting and guiding them in the endeavors and families. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling and playing cards. Since a young boy, he has always been a sportsman for hunting, trapping and fishing.
Harry’s moto in life…”Don’t Worry! Be Happy!” He may have had a bad moment here and there, but never a bad day. Harry greeted you with a smile and a positive attitude. He woke up each day and made the best of it.
Now left to honor Harry’s life and mourn the death is his wife, Gina: children, Craig Tupy, Garry (Amy) Tupy, Brett (Colette) Tupy, David Tupy; grandchildren, Taylor T, Nick T, Ashlee (Josh) Rickert, Jacob (Rachel) T, Joe (Carol) T, John T, James T, Catherine T, Justin T, Alexandra T, Victoria T, Jarryd T, Jovian T, Jesse T, Jeorge T, Gabe T, Sophia T, Michaela T, Zach T, Max T, Matt T, Sam T, Owen T, Brooklynn T; great-grandchildren, Ginna, Bennett, Lucy, Claire, Dominic; siblings, Arlene (Rudy) Skluzacek, Bernice (Rueben) Honza, Betty (Richard) Wodnick; other relatives and friends.
Harry was welcomed home in heaven by his great-grandson, Levi Tupy: parents; siblings, Arnold (Cecil) Tupy, Bernard Tupy: brother-in-law, Harry Friedl.
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Dear Gina and family, our Prayers and thoughts are with you as we prepare to say good-bye to a dear friend. So glad we got to spend quality time with Harry before he passed. We had some treasured moments with him. Continue Prayers to all of you in the days ahead. Love you.
Dear Gina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless all of you.
Harry was such a vital part of your family and community.
Gosh I remember he was my barber when I first moved to Prior lake in 1974. Then moved on to bigger and better things. What a full life he had.
Our sincere sympathy to the Harold Tupy family on the loss of their husband, father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and friend…May he rest in the peace of the Risen Lord…Our thoughts and prayer for the repose of his soul…God Bless his family
Harry was our neighbor to the east on the farm that I grew up on. As people often did in those days, they visited back and forth to catch up on news ect. Although Harry was a little older than my brother and me he was always kind to us and included us in whatever his interests were. Any time in my adult life when we met weather in Prior Lake or here in Lonsdale at a town ball game which he enjoyed so much he always had a friendly hello. So sorry for your loss.
Craig, Garry, Brett, David & Gina. I always enjoyed Harry’s sincerity & kindness. He will be missed. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. My respectful condolences.
To: The Family of Harry Tupy,
I wish to express to the Family of Harry Tupy my deepest sympathy especially to you Gina, his children and all of Harry’s immediate family, I know he will be missed by all those who knew him. Things Harry left undone must stay that way. Harry now belongs to the ages, but we liked it better when he belonged to us. He now lives on only in our Memory. He is home he is free. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the passing of your beloved Harry.
Sincerely,
GLYNN A. CROOKS
Member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Our thoughts & prayers are with you Gina & the family! He was a great guy & could cut hair like nobody else! He will be missed!
My regards and deepest sympathy to the family of Harry Tupy. What a kind hearted man we have lost. Harry treated me like family and was very instrumental in both the sale and purchase of two homes for myself, going back some 27 years. Harry was the best at what he did. I am going to miss this man dearly. Sincerely, Tom Wilson and family.
Gina , we were so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. (We have been gone a lot this summer and only found out recently.) We can only imagine the hole his absence must leave in your heart and soul, but we also know your strong faith will sustain you during this difficult time. We will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts.
Dear Gina:
we trust that Harry has arrived at the ultimate Real Estate location preparing the ground for us Prior Lakers…even the ex-Lakers !!! We pray that God continues giving you the wisdom & strength to care for the PL YOUTH .
Requiescat in pace
Sarah & Bert Keel
So sad to learn of Harry’s passing. I knew him both as a Hairmate customer and later working for him in real estate. He was a great family man, generous, fun and always worked hard for his clients. Condolences to Gina and the family. He will be missed by many.
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To the family of Harry Tupy
We are sad to hear of your loss of your husband,father grandfather.He will be remembered by all.
May God be with you at this time.God bless all of you