Dick Hup

DICK HUP was born to John and Annie (Fikse) Hup on August 27, 1928 at his family’s homestead in Steen, Minnesota. He was baptized in September of 1928 and confirmed in 1949, both at the Steen Reformed Church. His family moved to Artesia, California in 1934 and returned to Steen in 1943. Dick attended school in California and when they returned home to Minnesota he helped his father on the farm. Dick married Gertrude Bosch on August 24, 1948 at the bride’s home in Steen. The couple made their home in Steen where Dick continued to farm with his father while also working part time at John Morrell’s in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1952, the couple started farming on their own on a farm near Beaver Creek, Minnesota. Dick retired from farming in 1978 and he and Gert moved to Hills, Minnesota. He continued to stay busy helping his son, Ron, on the farm, driving occasionally for Hills Stainless Steel and also by driving bus for the Hills-Beaver Creek School District from 1980 until his formal retirement in 2006. On Friday, May 6, 2011, Dick passed away peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 82 years, four months and nine days.

Dick was a long time member of the Steen Reformed Church. He sang in the male chorus, the church choir and also served as an elder and deacon. Dick very much enjoyed his work. He had a love for farming. He enjoyed spending time at his son’s cabin in Northern Minnesota each summer. He cherished being able to spend a week (each summer) at Borde du Lac Resort with his family and fishing on the lake. Dick formed special relationships with the children that rode his bus throughout the years and enjoyed getting to know them. One of Dick’s favorite things was getting to attend sporting events and school programs of his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending many evenings riding around with Gert in his golf cart.

Dick is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Gert; his sons, Darrell and his special friend Vicki Williams of Pleasantville, Iowa, Richard and his wife Bernita of Fulda, Minnesota, Stanley and his wife Sharon of Northfield, Minnesota, Ronald and his wife Cheryl of Hills, and Jerry and his wife Joann of Pipestone, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, John and his wife Alvina of Luverne, MN; brother-in-law, Cornie Bosch and his wife Darlene of Luverne; a sister-in-law, Laura May Bosch of Brandon, SD; and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Dries Bosch; and his sister-in-law and her husband, Betty and Edward Boeve.

A tree will be dedicated in memory of Dick by Sanford Luverne Hospice. Blessed be his memory!