Betty Tupy

Elizabeth D. “Betty” Tupy, age 66, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at her home at Praha Village. True to Betty’s nature, she timed her death to occur in the window of an impending storm, between the falling snow and the high winds that would create blizzard conditions! She was always considerate of others and would not have wanted them to drive in unsafe conditions.

Betty was born on April 18, 1956 in New Prague to Theodore and Alice (Kucera) Fitzke. She grew up in New Prague, graduating from New Prague High School and married Eugene J. “Gene” Tupy on June 1, 1973 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She was an extraordinary homemaker who was also loved by the many children on her bus routes as a driver for the New Prague School District for over 25 years. Betty was outgoing and loved people. She was a generous volunteer with both church and community organizations; she served as a former officer with St. Wenceslaus CCW and served on the Top 6 for the festival. She was a girl scout leader for her girls and joined both women’s and couples’ bowling leagues, serving as secretary for both. A Parkinson’s diagnosis jetted her into action and she formed and facilitated a Parkinson’s support group in the community. Betty’s home served as a revolving door – everyone was welcome at her frequent gatherings, and she was noted for her cooking skills. She loved a good time and her characteristic laugh could be heard across the room. Besides bowling, Betty was a member of many friends card and dice groups – Bunco, Euchre, Svik to name a few. Gardening was her favorite pastime and she was gifted at putting floral arrangements together, both live and dried arrangements, even helping out at the local flower shop in her spare time. Her family was her greatest love and priority and she combined a love of travel with family trips and frequent trips to Florida and Aruba in her later years with friends. Betty’s kindness and positive outlook on life, along with her ready smile and hugs, will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children, Lisa (Foster) Transburg of Northfield, Amy (Chad) Heers of Lewes, Delaware, Joel (Sue) Tupy, of New Prague, David (Shannon) Tupy of New Prague; grandchildren, Emily, Leah, Alivia, Grace, Ariah, Kian, Noella, Hayle, & Dane; sister, Mary Jo Zgonc of Lindstrom; sister-in-law, Connie Fitzke of New Prague; brother –in-law, Dave (Rosie) Solheid of Norwood-Young America. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene on June 27, 2017; parents; siblings, Tom Fitzke and Judy Solheid.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will be held at Bruzek Funeral Home from 8-10:30 Wednesday morning. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the Legion Clubroom.