Travis Dupper

Travis James Dupper, 41, of Hettinger, ND, lost his courageous battle with brain cancer on January 2nd, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.
    Travis was born December 8th, 1977, in Mobridge, SD, to Donn and Gloria (Hardesty) Dupper.  He attended Faith School all twelve years, graduating in 1996.  Travis then moved to Blair, NE, working for one year before moving to Bismarck, ND, where he attended Bismarck State College, earning a degree in Automotive Collision Technology.  Travis married Shiloh Veal on October 31st, 1998 in Bison, SD. To this union, two sons were born, Ethan Thomas in 1999, and Alexander Ryan in 2003. The Duppers lived in Rapid City, Milbank, and Bison all before settling in Hettinger, ND, where they have resided for the past 8 years.  Travis was an employee of Southwest Grain up until the time he no longer had the strength to perform his duties there.
    Travis was not known for sleeping in, and many early mornings found him fishing.  Some of his favorite holes were Shadehill Reservoir, the North Grand River, North Lemmon Lake, Johnson Dam, Tank’s Crossing, Bowman Haley Dam, and several other undisclosed locations.  He also enjoyed camping, hunting, playing cards, board games, and watching movies. He spent many Sundays cheering on his favorite team, the Denver Broncos, and was able to attend a couple games. Travis never missed an event his boys participated in, whether it be basketball, football, baseball, track, a music concert, or a play.  He took much pride in their accomplishments.
    At the outset of his diagnosis, Travis began a Facebook page entitled Travis’s Journey, where he and his family shared their story throughout their quest to #SLAYTHEBEAST. This page and his journal on CaringBridge not only became support for the family, but were also an inspiration to many people across the country and possibly the world, some of whom he never met. In 2017, Travis was a Pray for Gray honoree, where he and his family found support from other victims of cancer, their families, and those raising money for research.  His wish was that a cure could be found, and he supported the cause by attending several events, the latest being the "Tough Enough to Wear Gray 7th Annual Fun Walk” held during FHS Homecoming in October of 2018.  
    Both before and after his surgeries, as long as his energy allowed, Travis was a fitness buff.  He was in extremely great shape, never missing his workout.  Whether in Rochester for appointments or Rapid for treatment, he couldn’t ever miss his walk.
    Travis was a member of Naja Shrine of Deadwood, SD; and Pasque Lodge 214 of Bison, SD.   
    Travis will be forever remembered by his loving wife Shiloh and his sons Ethan and Alex, Hettinger, ND; his parents Donn and Gloria Dupper, Faith, SD; his sisters Jennifer (Bill) Anders, Buffalo, SD; and Staci Smith, Faith, SD; brothers-in-law Travis (Jackie) Veal, Shannon (Rebekah) Veal, and Chris (Jennifer) Veal, and mother and father-in-law Larry and Verlyn Veal, all of Bison, SD; several nieces and nephews and one great niece. Travis was preceded in death by grandparents Hilmer and Irene Dupper, Ethel Clifton and James Hardesty, aunt Julie Pudwill, cousin Justin Hulm, and niece Cherish Veal.
    A celebration of life was held Monday, January 7th, at Hettinger High School Gymnasium officiated by Pastor Duane Coates and Pastor Florence Hoff with internment at Greenwood Cemetery in Mobridge, SD. A memorial has been established in Travis’s memory for later designation by the family.
    Condolences to the Dupper family can be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com