Obituary of Elizabeth Ann Kuphal

Elizabeth Ann (Huffman) Kuphal, age 96, passed away on July 4, 2024 at Bayside Manor Assisted Living in her hometown of Gaylord, Minnesota. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, July 13th at Gaylord United Church of Christ with visitation from 12 noon to 2 p.m. with service immediately following the visitation.

Elizabeth "Liz" was born on her family’s farm in Sibley Township on January 2, 1928 to Thomas and Ruby (Mueller) Huffman. She graduated from Gaylord High School in 1945 and worked at the local bakery until her marriage to Irwin Kuphal on May 24, 1947. Irwin (Irv) and Elizabeth raised three daughters before he lost his battle with cancer on January 20, 1974.  Liz held many different jobs throughout her lifetime but perhaps was best known for her behind-the-counter presence at Thriftway, a beloved, local second-hand store. She was also known far and wide for her handmade baby quilts, which she loved to sew and hand quilt. Family (both immediate and extended) was her life’s focus. She was the best Grandmother to her grands and great-grands and a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews. In addition to sewing and quilting, she loved to garden and watch the variety of birds (and sometimes squirrels) that landed at the bird feeders outside her window. Family and friends will remember Liz as an outstanding cook and baker. Her homemade pies were treasured by family and friends, especially her peach, lemon meringue, and pecan. She was a member of Gaylord United Church of Christ and the Sibley County Historical Society where she volunteered as a guide. Liz took pride in her family’s history and its contribution to Gaylord’s growth as the hub of Sibley County. She witnessed so many important events in the country’s history and was a true patriot and believer in liberty and justice for all—it seems fitting that she left this earth on the 4th of July. 

Elizabeth is survived by her three daughters: Susan Pribyl of Jackson, MN; Mary Woods (Tom) of Oconomowoc, WI; and Wendy Solomonson of Bloomington, MN; 6 grandchildren, Becky, Chris, Katie, Tim, Aaron, and Zach, as well as 7 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, James Huffman, Thomas Huffman Jr. (Gloria), and Austin (Kay) Huffman as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband Irwin, parents Thomas and Ruby, sister Gloria, brother John, son-in-law Larry, and many other extended family members.