Stephen W. “Steve” DuPuis of Hermiston passed away on Oct. 12, 2024 in Hermiston at the age of 78.
He was born on Feb. 4, 1946 in Pendleton to Joseph and Mary Wimmer DuPuis.
Steve was raised in Nolin until 1955 when he moved to Hermiston. He graduated from Hermiston High School in 1964 and enlisted in the United States Army. Steve had basic training in California and then was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He was then sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland where he taught mechanics. Steve was united in marriage to Joy Hapner in June 1966. He was sent to Korea in November 1967 where he taught until returning to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1968. Steve was honorably discharged in 1969 and returned to Hermiston.
He worked in construction most of his life for Umatilla Redi-Mix, Don Ragsdale, John Thomas and lots of odd jobs. Steve spent his spare time with his son, Richard and daughter, Sonia hunting, fishing and camping. He was very active in the Hermiston VFW Post #4750, calling bingo, Hermiston Cemetery Avenue of Flags and building the VFW shelter at the Hermiston Cemetery. Steve loved hunting, fishing, camping, cutting firewood, and time in the mountains. His son-in-law, John took him on his last deer-hunting trip and they were successful. Thomas, his grandson, took him on his last fishing trip this summer. Steve loved to visit with people and really enjoyed his coffee crews at the Cozy and Last Chance. He never had a shortage of stories to share and bits of wisdom to instill.
He is survived by his wife, Joy DuPuis, Hermiston; son, Richard W. DuPuis and wife Lori, Carlton; daughter, Sonia K. Munsterman and husband John, Hermiston; brother, Doug DuPuis, Salem; grandchildren, Thomas, Jerod, Brandon, Emma and Sam; and a very dear and loved great-grandson, Jimmy.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lucy Gilbert; and brothers, David, Richard E. and John P. DuPuis.
Services were held on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.
Contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to the Avenue of Flags at the Hermiston Cemetery in care of Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, P.O. Box 289, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Steve with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
