Frederick Harry Tupkielewicz

Frederick H. Tupkielewicz was born April 22, 1945 in Jersey City, New Jersey and passed away on April 4, 2026, in Camp Verde, Arizona. His parents were Mary and Michael Tupkielewicz.

Fred married Joyce J. Cardone in 1963. They were the parents of six children. Joyce passed from this life on August 14, 2018. Fred met Katrina Bratton-Ellis in a grief group in Iowa and married her on February 26, 2022.

Fred joined the Army when he was 17 years old and served with the New Jersey National Guard from 1963 to 1971. Joyce and Fred moved west for Fred’s health, and spent 30 years in Prescott Valley, Arizona. They moved to Iowa for family reasons and spent 10 years there.

Fred drove semi-trucks and tankers for over 20 years, covering all 48 states as a long-distance trucker. He also delivered to Canada and Mexico.

He left trucking after being injured on the job and went back to school, earning his GED. He discovered he loved to teach when tutoring his fellow GED students. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, and two master’s degrees, all in education. He became a teacher and taught for 17 years. He taught civics and history to 7th and 8th graders and served as an assistant principal. He had an associate’s degree in architectural drafting, and designed houses for individuals. Fred belonged to the Knights of Columbus most of his adult life, becoming a 4th Degree Knight in recent years.

He had his own construction business; his business motto was, “If your husband can’t, I can. If your husband won’t, I will.” Fred was an avid golfer; he worked at golf courses and enjoyed mowing. He mowed fancy designs into his lawn at his Davenport, Iowa house.

Fred and Katrina moved from the Midwest to Clarkdale, Arizona. He discovered he had a talent for making unique beaded jewelry and had many repeat customers for his creations. He was learning to play the bass. He was a lifelong lover of music. He particularly liked old-time gospel, vintage country, and blues.

Fred was a fierce and loyal friend. He enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. He had a great sense of humor. He was a good storyteller.

Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce, and his son, Michael. He is survived by his second wife, Katrina, and his remaining five children and their families.

Fred and Joyce will be buried in Valley View Cemetery, Clarkdale, Arizona.

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