John “Jack” Richard Kuper

John “Jack” Richard Kuper Jr., 91, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Harmony of Waterloo, under the care of St. Croix Hospice. He was born December 24, 1933, in Parkersburg, son of John and Ella (Hilfers) Kuper. He graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1953. He then served in the US Army from 1953 until his honorable discharge in 1955, during which time he served in Germany.

Jack married Barbara A. Baker on June 9, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo. She preceded him in death on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. He worked at Rath Packing Company, and later for Waterloo Community Schools. By far his favorite job though was working as groundskeeper at the Waterloo Municipal Stadium. Baseball was the center of Jack and Barb’s life. He coached the Optimist Cubs team from 1959-1994, impacting countless kids, who to this day would still come to visit him. He and Barb were also season ticket holders for Waterloo Baseball for over 50 years.

Jack is survived by his children: Sherry (Roger) Even of Jefferson City, MO, Kathy (Bob) Diering of Saint Louis, MO, and TJ (Joan) Kuper also of Saint Louis; grandchildren: Kristin (Jacob) Bryant, Kaley (James) Refenes, Nick (Jordan) Kuper, and Sarah (Hugh) Keene; his great-grandchildren Maclee, Charli, Dobson, and another due in March; brother-in-law John Baker of Decorah; and all of his players who wore the Optimist Cubs jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Barbara.

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 St. Croix Hospice. Condolences: www.LockeFuneralServices.com