LUSK – With the promise of eternal life, we announce the passing of CarolAnne Kupke.
She was born October 22, 1944, in York, Nebraska, to Gilbert and Irene Hoffman, the third of ten children. Carol was a dedicated wife to Eugene (Gene), her loving husband for 61 years, and de- voted mother to Angela, Mi- chael, Mark, and Alicia. Carol passed away peacefully on Oc- tober 14, 2025.
Gene and Carol met their sophomore year during the high school play in 1961. Gene was immediately smitten. They were married March 6, 1964, in York, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They had many different adventures until they decided on their own motel endeavor in Lusk at the Covered Wagon Motel in 1976.
Although Gene was the face of the motel, Carol was the backbone. In 2001, they were awarded the Big Wyoming Award. It was the first time in his- tory that both husband and wife were named for the award.
She was very involved in St. Paul’s Immanuel Lutheran Church, Luther- an Women’s Missionary League, Altar Guild, Crismon’s, Niobrara County Hospital Auxiliary Board, and many other community organizations.
Carol was a remarkable woman who left behind countless people whose lives she touched. A loving wife to Eugene Kupke; devoted moth- er to Angela Wasson (Mi- chael), Michael Kupke (Loni), Mark Kupke (Susan), Alicia Cox (Eric); Gma to Kayla Wil- liamsen (Chad), Kyle Wasson (Abbey), Kade Wasson (Lynd- sey); Seth Kupke (Bethaney); Colter McNare (Chelsea); Mariah Boner (Trent); Chase Kupke (Trista); Cody McNare (Mattie); Walk- er and Ridge Kupke; Hazen Alvis (Joe); Tristen Cox (Krissy); GGma to Wyatt Williamsen, Noah and Emma Wasson, Kaelie and Troy Kupke, Tesh, Pratt, Hattie and Tate McNare; Hagen, Earl, Maren and Tyson Boner; Levi and Nova Miller; and Charolette Alvis.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Diana and Sharon, and other dear family members.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with interment at the Lusk Cemetery. In lieu of flow- ers, donations can be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 1245, Lusk, WY 82225.
Pier Funeral Home in Lusk was in charge of the funeral arrangements.
