Daniel E. Koupal was born on February 13, 1921, on the family farm in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, 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, South Dakota 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, South Dakota 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.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Rapid City, c/o Deb Hanna at 224 Elk Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.

Public visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a Liturgical Wake Vigil Service at 6:00 pm.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Church. A time for fellowship and luncheon to immediately follow.

Burial Service will be at 1:30 pm on Friday at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Full Military Honors.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.