Ernest “Ernie” Cupp, 80, of Spirit Lake passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.
A private graveside service with full military honors will be held in the Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Ernest James Cupp was born on March 22, 1946, to Henry and Flora (Dibbern) Cupp in Davenport, IA. He graduated from Davenport West High School. After graduation he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam conflict. He returned to civilian life for a while, but returned to service in the US Army where he was a proud member of the 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery Regiment. Ernie retired after 28 years of service. Ernie was a highly decorated soldier, receiving some of the highest commendations and awards for his hard work and dedication. After retirement, he served as the Dickinson County VA Director.
He was united in marriage to Carol Duhn on June 18, 1988, at Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. They enjoyed nearly 38 years of marriage together. Carol was his caregiver for nearly a decade after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Ernie was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. He volunteered for various roles such as Sunday School Teacher, member of the council, and wherever he was needed. Ernie volunteered on many different boards, to include Discovery House, Child Advocacy Board, Kinship, HUD, Veterans Memorial Foundation, and a few others. He was a past member of Kiwanis, and was named by the club as the Citizen of Year in 2015. Ernie’s countless hours of volunteer work had a great impact on many people’s lives. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and bowling.
He is survived by his wife Carol Cupp of Spirit Lake, IA; sons Jason Cupp of North Liberty, IA; and Brian (Julie) Cupp of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Calvin, Kevin Jr., Cruz, Nathan, Kyra, Benjamin, Matthew, Abigail, Jenna, Emily, Alexis, and Payton; twin brother David (Nikki) Cupp of Des Moines, IA; brother Kenny Cupp of Davenport, IA; and his sister Patti Devick of Maryland; and a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Kevin Galbraith, his brother Eddy Cupp, and his brother in laws Rick Duhn and Delmar Duhn.