Ervin E. Dupper, 94 of Mobridge died peacefully on May 28th at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a short illness. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM June 3rd at the United Congregational Church, 1001 W. 6th Ave., Mobridge, SD followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, June 2nd from 4:00-7:00 pm, followed by a prayer service at Kesling Funeral Home.

Ervin Dupper was born January 8, 1923 nine miles southwest of Mound City, SD to Henry and Maggie Dupper. He attended the Dupper School, named for his grandfather Christ Dupper, through the eighth grade. His first two years of high school were in Glenham followed by two years at the Mobridge High School where he graduated in l940. Following graduation, he enrolled at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he graduated from law school in l951.

He married Frances Smith in Mobridge on August. 31, l952. Shortly thereafter they acquired the Campbell County Abstract Company and the Walworth County Abstract Company. Ervin opened a law office in Mobridge in l954. He subsequently served as Walworth County States Attorney in l955 and l956. His professionalism and integrity, combined with his compassion for helping others contributed to a successful law practice until he retired in 1983.

Prior to getting married and starting his own career, Ervin worked on his parents' farm. His fondness of farming and being outdoors, led him to acquire his own land and machinery over the years, which he operated with the assistance of family and dedicated personnel. After he retired from the law office he continued to operate the farm and abstract companies for several years.

Ervin was a generous supporter of his community. He was elected Republican State Senator from l965 through l968. He was also a member of the SD Title Association, where he was President in l965. As a Mobridge resident, he was a member of the Rotary for 30 years, and President in l970. He was a board member of the A H Brown Library from l975 through l990 and was a past Chairman of the Klein Museum board. He also served on the board of the Mobridge Concert Series and was Treasurer of the Mobridge Unit of the American Cancer Society for several years.

Growing up he attended a rural church near his parents' farm and joined the United Congregation Church upon moving to Mobridge. As a faithful church member, he was active in many capacities including, Chairman of the building committee for the construction of the present church, Sunday school teacher, church auditor, and Chairman of trustees. He enjoyed singing in the church choir for 30 years.

Ervin had many personal interests. He received his private pilot's license in 1951. He enjoyed downhill skiing and sailing with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and looked forward to attending high school sporting events throughout his life.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 64 years Frances Dupper, their children Sally (Peter) Wharton of Rapid City, SD. Ross (Dorothy) Dupper of Marietta, GA. Lois (Jay) Niedert of Madison, SD; 10 grandchildren John (Lisa) Samuelsen, Scott (Kirsten) Olson, James Samulesen, Jason Samuelsen, John Dupper, Elizabeth (Michael) Buckman, Anne Dupper, Laura (Patrick) Hofer, Allison Niedert, Brian Niedert; Three great-grand children, Lyla and Reid Samuelsen, Quinn Olson. Ervin's family will remember his kindness and generosity toward others, his pride in his children and grandchildren, his sense of humor, and his contagious smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Maggie Dupper, sister Alpha (Senftner), and brothers Oscar and Hilmer, and son-in-law, John Samuelsen.

Memorials can be directed to the A.H. Brown Library or the Klein Museum.