An Interview with Don Tupper
by Jennifer Parker
Don warmed up to the idea of doing an interview after at first saying no. I’m glad he did. He has contributed to the church in wonderful ways that I did not know about, and perhaps the same is true for others.
What would you like to share with the community about your life?
“I grew up in Canton, South Dakota, a small town where my family was active in the Methodist church.” Don’s dad was a tech ed teacher and then wound up being principal when Don was in high school. When he was given awards, his dad made sure he had earned them and not because his dad was the principal. “He was a good model for me; I liked that my dad felt that way.”
Don sang in the church choir and belonged to the youth group. His dad was a trustee when they built a new church. “I got to help him build the new baptismal fount. I also helped make the holders for visitor cards. When Dad passed, I inherited a lot of his equipment. Don said he is also a woodworker; “it’s relaxing to me.”
During Don’s youth, his dad got his master’s degree at University of Wisconsin—Stout. He picked up credits there during the summers, so Don spent several summers at Menomonie. His family camped with twenty or so student families, and he remembers having a lot of fun there.
“A number of my close family were involved in education as teachers and administrators. I followed that path and received my BS and MS degrees from UW—Stout as well.”
Don and Jean lived in Thorp for four years after graduation. Jean taught kindergarten, and he taught in high school. They moved to Monroe, a larger school district where there were opportunities and they spent the next thirty-one years there.
“I taught high school Technical Education and a Vocational Building Trades course. I was able to develop the building trades program there.” This included “thirty student-built homes involving residential building trades involving 16-20 seniors each year with many of them now working in the trades. The homes were either presold or sold upon completion.”
When they both retired, their son was living in Madison, so they decided to move here. Don and Jean feel fortunate because they were able to take care of their grandson, Carson, so he didn’t have to go to daycare.
Don went back to teaching for twelve more years at Monona Grove High School as a Technology Education instructor. His responsibilities included teaching an introductory vocational Woodworking/Cabinetmaking program supported by the National Wood Links organization.
Don and Jean also have a daughter, Tanya, who lives in Boston with her husband David. Their daughter, Hannah, attends NYU working for a master’s degree in writing. Don and Jean’s son, Matt, his wife, Becky and their 6-year-old son, Carson, live in Madison.
What brought you to Unity?
“I really feel blessed with finding Unity. It felt like such a good match, after looking at several churches. I’ve enjoyed the variety of ministers we’ve had. It is unique to see the different perspectives they brought to Unity.”
What are your favorite activities at Unity?
Don put his woodworking skills to good use here at Unity. “Being part of the community, I had the opportunity to use my skills to help fill some church needs. The library shelving, the serving counter/small freezer storage, and miscellaneous small tables. All of that started with having the opportunity to build the corner cabinet and prayer box in memory of Sandy Strietelmeier, who was the coordinator of the prayer chaplains when Jean was a chaplain. More recently, Don made a table in front of the podium for Rev. Deborah.
“I appreciate the welcoming of anybody and everybody, no matter their beliefs and background. We didn’t see that in some of the churches we visited when we were looking for a church in the Madison area to join. We value that. I also enjoy the conversations and hospitality in the Namaste Cafe.”
Is there anything you’d like to see Unity do that would make your experience even better?
At first, Don said “just continue to be a welcoming community, accepting all people, regardless of their experiences and backgrounds.” Then he remembered wanting to revisit a past interview. “I would like for the interviews to continue living on the website. When I click on the link only the latest come up.” He thought it would be an asset for the interviews to be preserved.