Gregory Paul Kuper was born to Marcella (Coleman) Kuper and James J. Kuper on December 31, 1943, in St. Louis, MO. In August of 1945, the family moved by automobile to a new job for Greg’s dad at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. However, upon their arrival, WWII was declared over, and the job was gone. The family then moved to Lynden, WA, upon recommendation of several Missouri friends and family to try strawberry farming. That was the year the price of strawberries plummeted, and within a few years the family lost their farm. After a move to Darrington, WA, the family moved to Everett in 1956.
Greg’s family began attending Bethel Baptist Church and it was there that he met his future wife, Donna Smith. Greg graduated from Everett High School in 1961.
Greg began college at Bethel College and Seminary in St. Paul, MN, 1963. He took a year off to work and earn more tuition money by working at Colby Manor Nursing Home.
Greg and Donna were married in June of 1965 and moved back to St. Paul to finish his education. Greg worked in the Bethel Bookstore and Donna worked in banking and in the college accounting office to help pay the bills.
After graduation they moved back to Everett and Greg taught for a year at North Junior High and then helped open the new Eisenhower Middle School in 1971, the same year his son, Greg Jr., was born. He taught 7th grade block at Eisenhower for 16 years and made many friends there.
Greg moved to Cascade High School in 1986 and taught there for 20 years, retiring from Cascade in 2006. He was grateful to be given the opportunity to teach some unusual classes including Geography, Philosophy, World War 1 and World War 2, and Hitler and the Holocaust. During his time as Cascade he also made many wonderful friends among both the staff and students.
After retiring from Cascade, Greg worked for four years at the Lynnwood Barnes and Noble store. He thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Classic Mystery Book Club during those years.
During summer breaks, Greg, Donna, and their son Greg Jr. enjoyed traveling to many parts of the U.S., including several trips to Hawaii, Disneyland, and Disney World. After his retirement, the UK was added as a destination. As a former history teacher, he found so much of interest in these places.
Greg was the middle child of seven children. He was predeceased by his mother and father, two older brothers (Jack and John), and an older sister (Dolores). He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Greg Jr.; his younger brothers Steve (Deanna) and Allan (Susan) and his younger sister Janet (Brian), as well as numerous cousins. He is also survived by “adopted” daughter and granddaughter Phuc An and Bethany.
Greg served his church, Bethel Baptist, as both an adult and children’s Sunday School teacher, Children’s Church leader, and preschool MOPS leader. He and his wife did the custodial duties for many years and for several years also saw that there were donuts and beverages for Bethel attendees every Sunday morning before Sunday School. He served in many other ways at church and his faith in the Lord Jesus was important to him. It comforted him as he faced his last days. Greg passed into heaven on January 10, 2021.
We would like to thank the Providence Hospice caregivers who helped us care for Greg and were able to ease his final days.
Donations in Greg’s memory can be made to his church, Bethel Baptist, at 2625 Hoyt, Everett, WA, 98201 or online at Bethel Baptist.org under the heading GIVE; or to the Greg Kuper Memorial Scholarship through Mountain Pacific Bank. The scholarship is for Cascade students who plan a college major in history.
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