The Lord welcomed Craig Tupy, age 51, home into his loving arms the early morning of Thursday, September 15, 2016. A longtime resident of Prior Lake, he also called Fort Myers, FL home too.
All of Craig’s services will be held at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue, Prior Lake, MN. The visitation will be on Monday, September 19, from 4-8 pm and on Tuesday, September 20 from 9:30-10:45 am, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Father Jim Perkl will preside and many other priests will concelebrate with him. Craig’s sons, brothers and nephew will act as pallbearers. He will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, next to his father.
Craig Allen was born to loving parents Harold “Harry” and Regina “Gina” Tupy, on March 11, 1965, in New Prague, MN. The oldest of four boys, he grew up in Prior Lake and had a fire for life since day one. Craig loved playing soccer, baseball and especially hockey in his high school years. From an early age, Craig loved the water and this carried throughout his entire life.
His first dabble as an entrepreneur was with the Prior Lake Cycle and Skate Shop during his high school years. Graduating from Prior Lake High School in 1983, Craig went to the University of Wisconsin in River Falls, WI, for a couple of years. Wanting more in life, he was again an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry for a while, before following in his father’s footsteps in the real estate business. He had a charismatic personality, with a tremendous gift of communication and he was an outstanding negotiator. Craig worked hard to use his talents to help EVERYONE achieve the best deal, here in Minnesota and Florida. Extremely intelligent, he was able to apply his business skills to build his empire of HomStar USA.
In the late 80’s Craig married Kim Brachmann and from this union was blessed with two precious sons, Taylor and Nick. After a few years, Craig and Kim parted ways, but remained close friends and devoted parents to their sons. Through mutual friends, Craig was introduced to Julie Harris. For over 20 plus years, Craig and Julie treasured their deep and devoted relationship to each other.
Craig has always been most content on the water. It did not matter if it was on the river, lake or ocean. He loved fishing with his boys, riding bikes by the ocean with Julie and boating with his brother’s and their families. Craig loved playing Euchre with family and they always went for bragging rights. He loved to laugh and have fun with everyone. If you met Craig once, you were a friend for life.
Given a strong spiritual foundation set forth by his parents, Craig dedicated his life to his Jesus Christ and the Blessed Mother. God blessed Craig with many gifts, but his compassion, devotion to prayer, and the ability to comfort others shined brightly. Nineteen months ago, Craig was called to carry the cross of his illness. He not only accepted this, but so clearly saw the purpose and joy throughout his suffering. Craig’s message of the “warning shot” resonated deeply with many and he radiated hope through encouraging, inspiring, and empowering others to seek the truth of Christ.
Craig’s strong devotion to his Catholic faith will continue to live on in the one’s he deeply loved, sons, Taylor Tupy and Nick Tupy; mother, Gina Tupy; brothers, Garry (Amy) Tupy, Brett (Colette) Tupy, David Tupy; fiancé, Julie Harris and her children Kailey and Jack; nieces and nephews, Ashlee (Josh) Rickert, Jacob (Rachel), Joe (Carol), John, James, Catherine, Justin, Alexandra, Victoria, Jarryd, Jovian, Jesse, Jeorge, Gabe, Sophia, Michaela, Zach, Max, Matt, Sam, Owen, Brooklynn; great-nieces and nephews, Gianna, Bennett, Lucy, Claire, Dominic;
Preceded in death and there to welcome Craig home is his father, Harry Tupy; great-nephew, Levi Rickert and grandparents.
