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.
