Wilbur Dean Hupe

Wilbur "DEAN" Hupe, 84, of Manteno passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 23, 1937, in Harvey, IL., the son of Wilbert J. and Hilma W. (Hopman) Hupe. He graduated from Bremen High School class of 1955. Dean was the co-founder along with his father, brother and sister of Evergreen Sod Farm, County Supply, Inc., Liberty Leasing & Equipment Co., Inc., and Summit Seed. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He is survived by his son, Louis D. Hupe and his 4 children, Alex, Nathan, Sean, and Kyle, his daughter, Deanine R. Hupe and her 4 children and 7 grandchildren, Julie Jaroscak (Joe), Emily, Nolan, and Mallory, her son, Joel M. Paquette (Chenny) Georgia, Oliver, and Miles Rancone, her daughter, Jena Paquette (Andre Lyons), her daughter, Katherine Mattocks (Zack Walton) Zander, his daughter, Holly Kamp (Sid) and her 2 children and 3 grandchildren, Brittany Posing (Andy), Aubry, Drew, Kimber, her son Paul Hale III, his daughter, Briana A. Grove (Jason Sr.) and her 3 children and 2 grandchildren, Preston D. Grove, Ashley A. Grove (Jake High), Jason S. Grove Jr. (Brandy), Mackenzie, and Jaelyn, his daughter, Amber E. Monney, and her 2 children, Mason and Max, a brother, Roger L. Hupe (Gloria), a bonus son Karl M. Paquette, many nieces and nephews, other special family members including lifelong friend Thomas Case and Rosemary Pritchard. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Suzanne M. Hupe, a son-in-law, Todd Monney, a special friend, Marilyn M. Blankenburg and his “mainest” Melvyn G Marshall. Dean mentored many when it came to sod farming not only locally but around the world. He appreciated his relationships and partnerships that he formed along his journey. As one gentleman from Australia stated, “I have been searching around the world for a guy who would mentor me, and I found him in a little town called Manteno and he has been an amazing friend to me.” Dean stated often, “I have had great success and failures.” “My father in heaven knows my name.” “Please do not list my accomplishments or accolades.” “I am a simple man who has through everything lived a cherished and blessed life and I am grateful for it.” Dean will be interned at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL., on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 2:30pm. Family and friends are welcome to join his family for the ceremony. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion in Manteno, IL., from 4pm-6pm. Everyone is welcome. Please join us and share your story. In lieu of flowers please, make donations to the wishes of the family. Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno will be handling the arrangements.