Bret Earl Tupper

Bret Tupper, age 52, of Maplewood, MN died of heart failure on Sept. 2, 2026.

Bret was born in Mankato, MN on Dec. 16, 1973 to Del and Judy (Ehlers) Tupper and raised in Winnebago, MN. He gained a love for International Harvester tractors from his Grandpa Ehlers; from his father, the skills to fix just about anything; and from his mother, cooking, baking and canning skills. His work life began in kitchens at Parker Oaks Nursing Home. He earned his B.S. degree at the U of M and an MBA at Carlson School of Business, and has worked as a nutrition director for Healtheast, US Foods and Benedictine.

Bret grew up enjoying shooting hoops in the barn and watching Dukes of Hazzard with siblings and friends. At Blue Earth High School he participated in speech and music and earned medals in track and field, graduating in 1992. Some of his favorite family trips were spent watching the Twins' spring training in Florida.

Bret met his wife Gina during a heated fishing conversation. They wed on Nov. 12, 2005, and the fishing banter continued. When Cosette, Bret Jr. and Lee came along, his family became his joy and highest priority. He was proud of the two chicken coops they built together and most absolutely loved the two fishing resort trips they took the past two summers. Grilling, cooking, and sharing family meals was a treasured time. He laughed at his dad jokes more than anyone else, which actually made them funny.

Bret was a good friend to many and his friendships multiplied over the years. He loved watching the kids play sports and made a lasting impact coaching boys' basketball teams at King of Kings Elementary School. His nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart and he is fondly remembered for the many family cabin trips, fishing and spirited times playing cards.

Bret served as a board member of Lay Ministry and as Parish Director at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Roseville. His faith was strong and he instilled his love for working and serving the Lord and others. He was ever grateful to have a pastor as one of his best friends.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Gina; children, Cosette, Bret, Jr. and Lee; mother, Judy Tupper; sister, Shelly (Larry) Hector; brother, Sean Tupper; nephew, Christian; nieces, Maria, Grace, Sydney and Katy; mother-in-law Judy Wright; father-in-law George Wright, aunts, uncles, and many cousins and friends that adored him. Bret was preceded in death by his father, Del Tupper; maternal and paternal grandparents and extended relatives.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at Woodbury Lutheran Church - Valley Creek Campus, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury. The family will receive friends following the service. There will be a private internment.

The GoFundMe Link is here.

The Meal Train link is here.