Beatrice "Bea" Kupfer

Beatrice “Bea” Mary (Kluenenberg) Kupfer, 90, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on November 27, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Bluffton. 

Bea was born on October 20, 1935, to Joseph & Leona (Roggenkamp) Kluenenberg of Bluffton. A lifetime resident of Bluffton, Bea attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Wadena High School in 1953.

She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Kupfer on October 12, 1955 in Bluffton and their marriage was blessed with four children: Pamela, Timothy, Daniel & Nanette. The Kupfers built their home in Bluffton surrounded by family on all corners of town, creating a closeness that shaped every part of their lives. Some of their happiest memories were made together at ballfields, cheering through countless baseball games, and on their yearly vacations at the lake with George, Jeanette and family —where laughter, tradition, and togetherness became a family legacy.

Bea was a woman of remarkable dedication and a strong work ethic. She served her community faithfully as a teller at First National Bank in Wadena for over 30 years, and later as the church secretary at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bluffton for another 30+ years, continuing in that role until her retirement at age 82. Her diligence, kindness, and commitment left a lasting impression on all who worked with her and knew her.

Bea was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was not only a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, but also a trusted friend, sister, aunt, and neighbor. Bea was fun, and she liked to have fun—her laughter came easily, her sense of humor was warm, and she was happiest when surrounded by her family.

Her home was the family hub, a place where everyone felt welcome and wanted to be. She cooked eggbake for the family every Sunday after church, made the best soups, and was a skilled baker -  she baked a chocolate cake no one has ever been able to match. Her dining room table was always filled with family, and her beer fridge was always full. She treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she poured her love into every moment spent with them. Holiday traditions were especially important to Bea, with Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve holding a cherished place in her heart and in her home.

Bea’s faith was the steady foundation of her life. She was faithful in every season, grounding herself in Scripture and prayer. She read her Bible and devotions daily, drawing strength and peace from God’s Word. Each night before bed, she recited Psalm 91 from memory—a passage she carried in her heart and lived by. Her trust in the Lord guided her steps, shaped her character, and gave her the deep sense of peace with which she entered her heavenly home.

Bea is survived by her four children: Pam (Keith) Hagen of Wadena, Tim (Karla) Kupfer of New York Mills, Dan (Denise) Kupfer of Bluffton, and Nan (Ron) Wegscheid of Bluffton; 15 grandchildren—Adam, Kyle, Josh, Chelsea, Sara, Justine, Jessica, Jenna, Jeremy, Aaron, Tyler, Matthew, Brandon, Brooke, and Nicholas; and 43 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her siblings: Rosemary (Denny) Haugen, Dick (Ranaye) Kluenenberg, Donna (Steve) Oien, and Joanne (Gus) Andrade; sister-in-law, Karen Kluenenberg; brother-in-law, Gary Achter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Joseph & Leona; her brother, Gary; her sisters, Jeanette & Maureen; great-grandson, Caleb; brother-in-laws, George, Jim & Randy; and Kupfer family, parents-in-law, Charles & Minnie; siblings-in-law, Joe & Emma, Sylvester & Susan, Bill & Irene, Marie, Bob & Doris, Gertrude & Carl, Howard & Helen, Leo & Bernice, Leona & Ray, Catherine & Claude. 

The Lord is my refuge and my fortress.” —Psalm 91

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beatrice "Bea" Kupfer, please visit our floral store.