On January 29, 2025 Robert Lee Dupea, 83, of White Sulphur Springs, MT passed away from heart failure.
Robert was born to Tobe and Mabel Dupea in Missoula on January 24, 1942. In Robert’s earlier years the family lived in many rural Montana areas, where the Dupea’s worked in agriculture. Their final move was to White Sulphur Springs, where the family settled when he was 12. Robert’s siblings remember him being left alone to care for the farm and animals at that time for 2 weeks by himself, showing his confidence, self-reliance and ability to do anything. Robert graduated from high school, in White Sulphur and met his future wife, Donna. They were high school sweethearts. Robert attended Western Montana College earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
He started his teaching career in Kalispell. This career moved Robert and his small family from Kalispell to Helena and finally back to his hometown of White Sulphur Springs.
Robert was a teacher through and through, something he passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even after teaching, Robert always used opportunities for education, be it the coveted 10-minute nap lesson, or the exhilarating ecological lesson about the world around us. Robert left teaching to pursue a career in ranching at Riverside Ranch. Robert loved ranching even more than teaching, knowing his cattle and horses by sight, and meeting their needs. A particular love of Robert’s was watching things grow, be it crops, cows, gardens or trees. He was an extraordinarily hard worker, working from dawn until well past dark, showing great resilience to adversities which he endured. Robert loved his family and neighbors and never thought twice about helping when others were in need.
Robert will be remembered for his kind heart. Robert’s compassion towards both family and the animals he made his living with is unparalleled. He will also be remembered for his beautiful voice singing Poncho and Lefty, El Paso City or Bear Tracks with a shine of his pearly white teeth smiling at the crowd and believing you can never have too much fun.
Robert was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, and the local DNRC, where he served for years as a committee member. He was particularly proud of being a member of Rotary Club International for over 50 years. The motto of Service before Self was important to him.
Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Hanson Dupea, children Dawn (Mike) Blair, Dixie (Doug) Mack and Mike Dupea, seven grandchildren, Mary, Steven, Andrea, Christina, Brittany, Aaron and Nikaela, six great-grandsons and one great granddaughter, as well as sisters Dorothy Kincaid, Marie Lithun, Irene Troxel, Georgia Delaney, and George Dupea. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Walter Dupea, Ruth Meier, and Ralph Dupea.
Visitation will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 4-6pm at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E Garfield St., White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 8, at 1 pm at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, 407 2nd Ave. SE, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. Burial will follow to Mayn Cemetery with a reception being held at the Senior Center, 101 1st Ave SE, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 after the conclusion of the burial. Condolences in memory of Robert can be shared at www.stevensonwilke.com.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 7, 2025
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 8, 2025
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church
407 2nd Ave. SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday February 8, 2025
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday February 8, 2025
White Sulphur Springs Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 7, 2025
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 8, 2025
St. Bartholomew Catholic Church
407 2nd Ave. SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday February 8, 2025
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday February 8, 2025
White Sulphur Springs Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Tom VOLLSTEDT says
What more could be said about such a great family man than what was said in his obituary. I first met Robert in the early 60’s when our family moved to WSS. He, Donna and their children were always at the family gatherings at the Hanson ranch where we were invited to join them. Many great memories especially the Easter celebrations.
May God be with you and bless you all.
Tom and Diana Vollstedt
Doug Mack says
I knew Robert ever since I started dating his daughter, Dixie. The more I knew him, I saw he was positive,nice ,and caring Person. I use to think he was a spitting image of “ Pa Ingles, In Little House on the Prairie. He was a wonderful Father-in-Law.
Royale Tousley says
Being a childhood friend of Mike’s kids I was very blessed to know Robert and got to spend a lot of time at the ranch with them. He was a wonderful grandpa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. I was fortunate enough to be taught some valuable life and ranch lessons from Robert. My favorite memory is when Robert was trying to teach myself and Brittany how to rope. Neither of us were any good at it, but Robert was always patient with us and would just smile and give us helpful tips.
Dale Bruner says
Robert was quite simply one of the smartest and kindest man I have ever known. Knowing Robert and being able to call Robert a friend, was a privilege.
Job well done Robert I will miss you
Becky and Marvin Kimmet says
We are honored to know Robert and Donna and their family. He was a humble and honest man of his word. Robert loved his family, God, his friends, and his way of life on the ranch. He instilled a good work ethic and attitude of servanthood in his children. A person can learn a lot about life and livestock and humor from Robert. He will be greatly missed, but remembered with great love and respect.
Kevin Brewer says
Donna, so sorry to hear about Robert…Kevin Brewer