Larry Lupkes

LARRY “BONES” LYNN LUPKES, age 69, of Rushmore, died Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. He was born at Adrian, Minnesota on February 22, 1957 to Henry and Agnes (Andersen) Lupkes. He attended school at Adrian and Luverne where he graduated in 1977.

After graduation, he farmed and worked for Frank Heideman Tiling. Larry then worked in maintenance for the City of Rushmore. He held that position for almost 30 years. He also enjoyed working with the people at the Coop Farmers Elevator (CFE) in Rushmore. Bones was a member of the Rushmore Lions Club and Booster Club. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, playing pinochle, shooting fireworks, visiting people, and taking care of his pet dogs and cat, Oreo.

Bones’ real love was helping others. He was the type of person who would give you the shirt off of his back and sew it for you. Two organizations that were part of his heart and soul were Rushmore Fire and Rescue, which he had served as Chief, and the Rushmore Little League. He began volunteering for Rushmore Fire Rescue on January 1, 1983. Countless lives were saved, AND protected, because of his dedication as a fireman and rescue squad volunteer. Bones was involved with the Rushmore Little League since it began more than 40 years ago. It was his policy that each member of the team always got to play because he wanted each kid to have fun, and he believed each kid deserved a chance to play as well as learn. Bones often mentored kids (whether or not they were in Little League). It was difficult to get Larry to go on vacation. He also wanted to stay in Rushmore to be available to help anyone.

Larry is survived by one brother, David Lupkes, Rushmore; two sisters-Sally Lupkes, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Sherri (Paul) Ritter, Mount Dora, Florida; one niece, Emily (William) Mees, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; one nephew, Jonathan Ritter, Orlando, Florida; one great niece, Ashlyn Mees, Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and, the countless individuals he has mentored.

Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Friday, May 15 at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington; and also one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday. Funeral will be 11 am Saturday at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Worthington, officiated by Pastor Tom Voigt. Burial will be in the Sunset Rest Cemetery in Rushmore.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Bones to the Rushmore Fire Rescue or the Rushmore Little League.