Barbara Ann Kuper

Barb Kuper, 87, of Waterloo, died Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Harmony of Waterloo. Barbara was born September 6, 1937 in Evansdale, daughter of Carl and Anna (Mixdorf) Baker. She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1955.

On June 9, 1956, Barb married John “Jack” Kuper at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. They were members of Grace United Method Church and later Waterloo First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir for many years.

Barb was a secretary in the Guidance Office at Waterloo West High School, a job that she enjoyed tremendously. She loved working with “her kids” who still recognized and greeted her around town, as well as the college recruiters. One of their favorite memories together was taking a trip to San Diego to watch the Marine’s Crucible as part of an educational workshop she was selected for.

Baseball was a cornerstone of the Kupers’ life. They were season ticket holders for Waterloo baseball for over 50 years. Barb was on the Board of Directors and eventually the Vice President for the Waterloo Diamonds. She was score keeper, general manager and second mom for the Optimist Cubs teams that Jack coached. In 1987, Barb was inducted into the East High School Hall of Fame for her lifetime of support and participation. In 1993, she was named Black Hawk Officials Association Fan of the Year. She was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

Barb is survived by her husband John (Jack) Kuper; her children: Sherry (Roger) Even of Jefferson City, MO, Kathy (Bob) Diering of St. Louis, MO, and TJ (Joan) Kuper, also of St. Louis, MO; her grandchildren: Kristin (Jacob) Bryant, Kaley (James) Refenes, Nick (Jordan) Kuper, and Sarah (Hugh) Keene; her great-grandchildren Maclee, Charli, Dobson, and another due in March of 2025; her brother John Baker of Decorah; and the beloved Jocko.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Corrine, Francis, Millie, Fritz and Art.

A celebration of Jack and Barb’s lives will be held Friday, June 20, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 PM, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave. Baseball or Hawkeye attire is encouraged. Memorials may be directed to The Optimist Club of Waterloo or Waterloo West High School. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com