Daniel E. Koupal was born on February 13, 1921, on the family farm in Charles Mix County to V.J. and Anastasia Koupal. He was educated in the Dante area schools and entered the United States Army at the age of 21. He served three and a half years which included time in World War II. After the service, he returned to Dante where he worked on the family farm. Shortly after his return to South Dakota, he went to the Fireman’s Ball in Armour where he met Frances Cunningham, the love of his life. They were married on September 30, 1947. They would dance together for over 64 years. After their marriage, Daniel and Frances farmed near Dante for over a decade. During that time, their three children Pamela, Dana and Gregory were born. In 1960 they relocated the family to Rapid City and soon after built a home on the Westside where they lived for nearly 43 years. He loved the Black Hills, especially Spearfish Canyon. He said he never regretted the move to Rapid City.

Dan had a variety of jobs in Rapid City but enjoyed his work at Rapid City Implement the most as it allowed him to get out in the countryside often. He ended his work life at the South Dakota School of Mines where he enjoyed groundskeeping and janitorial work.

He loved the outdoors and spent many years hunting deer in the Black Hills with friends and family. His trophy deer hangs proudly in the lobby at The Village at Skyline Pines, his home at the time of his death. He also enjoyed tending to his garden, yard, and all the many Buicks he owned over the years. In his later years, he enjoyed watching westerns on tv, especially movies with John Wayne in them.

Those grateful for sharing Dan’s life are his daughter Pamela (Van) Mettler of Spearfish, son Dana (Jackie) Koupal of Mesa, Arizona, and Gregory (Renea) Koupal of Rapid City. Six grandchildren: Rachelle, Carrie, Shawna, Lindsay, Raeann, and Lyndsay; six great-grandchildren: Kaylynn, Jack, Sam, Solas, Sierra, and Steward; as well as nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Frances, five brothers, two sisters, and his parents.

Dan’s family is very grateful for the kind, loving care he received from the staff at Primrose Assisted Living and at The Village at Skyline Pines. You all made it possible for him to live independently as he wanted.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, November 4 at the Blessed Sacrament Church, Rapid City. Burial took place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Rapid City, c/o Deb Hanna at 224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.