Irma Zupke

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Irma Zupke created a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories while sharing priceless moments with the ones she cherished. She loved traveling, relaxing on the beach, or a competitive game of shuffleboard among so many other experiences that filled her heart with joy. Irma was blessed to share much of her life’s journey with her true love, and together they shared a love that most can only dream of. She worked hard in everything she did both inside and outside of her home, yet she also took the time to enjoy life along the way. A loving wife, nurturing mother, beloved grandmother and genuine friend, Irma will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

The Roaring Twenties were a great time to be an American. Innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives with conveniences such as the washing machine, refrigerator, and radio. Cars were more affordable thanks to the assembly line, and the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. It was just as this decade was really getting started that a young couple from Niles, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on October 17, 1921. Irma J. was one of three children born to her parents, Harley and Gertrude A. (Brockway) Weed, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Harley, and her sister, Kathryn. She experienced a fairly typical childhood for the youth of her generation, attending local schools and enjoying things that young girls so often do. Irma went on to graduate from Niles High School in 1939. She found work doing general office tasks and also did medical transcription.

Not to be forgotten during Irma’s years as a young woman was her introduction to the young man with whom she would share nearly 70 years. His name was Larry Zupke, and they met at a dance at Reids Casino and Pavilion on Lake Barrow just outside of Niles. She was just a young girl of 18 at the time, and Larry couldn’t help but notice that she had a great pair of legs. They began dating, but they were greatly impacted by our nation’s entrance into WWII in 1941 as Larry joined the Navy during this time. Although separated by distance, their hearts remained intertwined and their love deepened. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Irma and Larry were married on the naval base in New Orleans in 1942.

Soon after they exchanged their vows Larry reported back for duty, and Irma lived with her parents. At times she lived with her sister in Connecticut so that she would be closer to where he would be when he came back into port. The couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Alan, during this time, however, Larry wasn’t able to see him for several months. As circumstances would have it, he was home on leave when the war officially ended so he never saw active duty again. They were finally able to settle down and buy a house so they settled in Cassopolis where Larry got a job. The Zupke family was completed with Jim’s birth in 1952. After a few years they moved to Niles and in 1956 to Kalamazoo where Larry worked for the State of Michigan. They later moved to Lansing for a few years with Larry’s work before settling back in Kalamazoo.

Once Irma’s children were all in school she went back to work, first at the State Hospital and then for Drs. John and Tom Kavanaugh. While in Lansing she worked for General Hospital and returned to work for the Kavanaughs when they moved back to Kalamazoo. Irma eventually owned and operated her own medical typing business from her home.

Irma was one to keep busy throughout most of her life. She was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker, and in her down time at home she enjoyed baking cookies, knitting, sewing, and reading mysteries. Since Irma was raised Baptist they attended a Baptist church for a time, but they later attended Methodist churches. Her favorite hymns were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace,” and her favorite songs were “Somewhere, My Love” and “Stardust.” During her younger years Irma loved dancing.

Together Irma and Larry did some traveling. They visited Bermuda where Larry had spent time while in the Navy, took in the beauty of Hawaii with some friends, went on a Caribbean cruise with Delphine and Jay Gantz, and visited Williamsburg with some friends. Irma and Larry also went on several trips with Mary and Bill Ayres. They eventually spent several years living in Englewood, Florida, where they both became proficient at shuffleboard as they each won some trophies. Afternoons often found them enjoyed a quiet game of backgammon together. Irma loved walking the beach or just listening to the ocean, and she was forever a fan of the Tigers and NASCAR racing.

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Irma Zupke was a woman of grace and strength with a fun-loving and adventurous side, too. She lived to care for her family and loved even the quiet times she spent with her beloved husband. Never one to be concerned with building wealth or accumulating possessions, Irma lived a life of purpose each and every day. Her timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow her.

Irma J. Zupke, of Kalamazoo, died on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at Central Baptist Village in Norridge, IL. Irma’s family includes her sons, Alan of Kalamazoo, MI, and James (Kris) of Redford, MI; and grandson, Chad (Tracey) of Oak Park, IL. Irma was preceded in death by her husband, Larry in 2009; brother, Harley Weed; and sister, Kathryn Turner. Learn more about Irma and visit with her family and friends while sharing some refreshments this Friday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 6 at 10 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler- Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Interment will be held at South Portage Cemetery. Following the burial, food and fellowship will be shared at Irma’s favorite restaurant, LaRue’s, 6375 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. Please visit Irma’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children® www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate.