Virginia A. Kuper, 84, of Independence, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 25, 2024, at ABCM Rehabilitation Center – West Campus in Independence, IA.

Virginia was born on a farm in rural Independence, IA, on March 31, 1939, the daughter of Frank and Martha L. (Copenhaver) Wilson. She was the youngest of six children, and grew up in Brandon, Jesup and Independence, IA. In 1957, she graduated from the Independence High School, and went on to study nursing. Virginia met John Arthur Kuper through family and quickly fell in love. They were married on December 14, 1958 in Independence, IA.

John was in the Navy and Virginia joined him as his Naval career took them across the country. When John was deployed, Virginia moved back to Brandon, IA where she continued to work as a nurse’s aide. Upon John’s return and retirement from the Navy the Kuper family made their home in Independence, IA.

Virginia loved to cook. In 1984, she started her own catering business and employed her children for her successful enterprise. She soon took a job as a cook at the Independence School District and quickly became the head cook. She insisted on making sure that the students had “Good Food” at lunch time. She worked for the school for over a decade, and retired.

Virginia loved her family with every ounce of her being. It was extremely important for her to keep in touch with her grandchildren and made sure her kids were doing the right thing. Her favorite times were when they all came home to be together, and the laughter was guaranteed.

She is survived by her five children; Melinda (Dennis) Hunter, Brandon, IA, Morgan (Becky) Kuper, Jesup, IA, Richard (Jennifer) Kuper, Colorado Springs, CO, Joni (Mike) Doe, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Janet Kuper, Vinton, IA, eleven grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents; Frank and Martha Wilson, her husband, John Kuper in 2015, a son, Lawrence Kuper, three brothers, Lyle, Richard, and James Wilson, and two sisters Laura Kalbfleisch, and Jeanne Wilson.

The Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Hope Wesleyan Church in Independence, IA followed by the inurnment at the Mt Hope Cemetery, Independence. Friends and Family may join us from 4 PM until 7 PM on Thursday March 28th, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA.

Memorials may be directed to the Virginia Kuper Memorial Fund, BankIowa, 230 1st Street E., Independence, IA 50644.