Roger Kaupa

All who knew Roger Kaupa will certainly agree that he truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he faced every challenge that came his way with grit and determination. Nothing made Roger happier than being surrounded with his friends and family. His love for others was limitless, and he exemplified what it meant to intentionally follow his Catholic faith. Dearly loved, Roger will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The late 1930s were troubling years for many all around the world. Tensions surrounding WWII were quickly reaching a boiling point overseas. Back home in the United States, the Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over the nation. During such a difficult time, however, Frank and Florence (Parbel) Kaupa of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were excitedly awaiting the arrival of their firstborn child. It was on January 18 of 1937 that they brought their son, who they named Roger John, into the world.

Growing up, Roger was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids as an older brother to his six younger siblings, Raymond, Donald, Carl, Trilby, Butch, and Joe. Roger’s father supported the family by working as a mechanic. Throughout his childhood, Roger attended local schools, including St. Anthony Elementary School and Catholic Central High School. He didn’t like math much but still graduated in 1955. Roger then went to work on a farm in Bloomfield Hills for a couple of years before returning to Grand Rapids to begin working for Wolverine Brass.

Not to be forgotten was the moment when Roger met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Sally Covey, and the two shared an immediate connection. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Roger and Sally were united in marriage in the presence of friends and family. Soon after, Roger became a member of the National Guard before beginning his career with General Motors.

Of all the things Roger loved in life, his family was his greatest treasure. He and Sally were overjoyed to welcome their four children, Donald, Kathy, Diane and Ted, into their hearts and home. Roger thrived as a father and took his role as disciplinarian and provider very seriously. If the kids heard the table saw fire up on a Saturday morning, they knew he was making a paddle and someone was about to be in trouble. Roger instilled his Catholic faith in his children, and the family were active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Kaupas took a memorable vacation each summer, camping in Florida, California, Arizona, and all up and down both the East and West Coasts.

Roger was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. He poured 32 years of dedicated work into his career at General Motors. Roger started out at GM making lifters and worked his way up to become an “oiler,” refilling the oil on the presses. His kids would remember him working tirelessly to support the family. Later in life, Roger was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandkids and doted on them whenever he could, and he especially loved playing with the babies. Roger looked forward to getting together with the entire family at every gathering. He considered himself blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Throughout his life, Roger was devoted to his faith, family and friends. He attended Mass every Saturday night, even while camping, and he enjoyed going to church with his sister, Trilby. Roger enjoyed meeting up with former employees of Wolverine Brass. His dear friend, Maureen Debski, held a special place in his heart as a close companion and travel partner.

One of Roger’s biggest passions in life was camping. He owned a HiLo camper for several years and was a member of the HiLo camper club as well. Roger liked camping in the Upper Peninsula to visit with his family. His treat while camping was enjoying his mug of “campfire coffee,” rum and Pepsi. Never one to cook, Roger preferred eating out at Mr. Burger, Filling Station, or Big Boy in Kalkaska. He had a sweet tooth for chocolate chip cookies and blueberry pie with lots of whipped cream from Mr. Burger, but he took his coffee black. In his free time, Roger enjoyed listening to old-school country music and Johnny Cash. He devoured books and magazines about vintage cars and trains, and he also liked watching old Westerns and the Gunsmoke show.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Roger Kaupa, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a shining role model of faith, and his solid work ethic served him well throughout his entire life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Roger took every chance to hold his loved ones close. His willingness to serve others left an unforgettable impact on so many. Although he is already so greatly missed, Roger leaves behind a priceless legacy that his friends and family will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Mr. Roger J. Kaupa age 88, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 15, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sally; daughter, Diane Kramer; brothers, Raymond and Donald Kaupa; sister-in-law, Lois Kaupa; and brother-in-law, Thomas Mettler. Roger is survived by his children, Donald and Cheryl Kaupa, Kathy and William Prause, Ted and Kathy Kaupa; son-in-law, Steve Kramer; 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Carl Kaupa, Trilby Mettler, John “Butch” and KarylLynn Kaupa and Joe Kaupa; sisters-in-law, Delores Kaupa and Carole Kaupa; and several nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 423 First St NW Grand Rapids. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, with a Rosary at 7:30, on Wednesday January 21, 2026 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Celebrate Roger’s life by sharing a favorite memory or picture on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com