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Obituaries

Journey to the Spirit World

This page serves as a space to honor and remember the lives of our tribal members who have passed away. Here, we come together as a compassionate and supportive community to pay tribute to their legacies.

Obituary picture of Erika Michelle Kaupp
Erika Michelle Kaupp

Born: January 06, 1980
Journeyed to the Spirit World: October 25, 2021

Erika Michele Kaupp, age 41, of Flandreau, SD, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Erika was born on January 6, 1980, to John Kaupp and Julene Lupkes in Omaha, NE. She spent her early years in Gregory, SD and then moved to Colome, SD, graduating in 1998. Erika joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas. After the Air Force, Erika moved to the Flandreau Area and started working at the Royal River Casino.  Erika attended school at Southeast Technical Institute, graduating in 2012 with her associate degree in Marketing. She became the Marketing Director for the Royal River Casino. She also worked in marketing for the Chewelah Casino near Spokane, WA and the Ft. Randall Casino in Lake Andes, SD.

Erika enjoyed playing softball and volleyball in her younger years, was a music enthusiast, loved to go on adventures, and had a huge heart for all animals. She spent her free time hanging out with her friends and family and will be remembered for her spontaneous, outgoing energy, and her motivated spirit. Those who knew her will miss her great sense of humor and companionship.

Erika is survived by her mother, Julene Lupkes, Colome; sisters: Stacia (Jason) Paulson, Colome; Dana Ellwanger, Flandreau; Shana Kaupp, Flandreau; and Chelsea Lupkes, Huron, SD; 10 nieces and nephews; 3 great-nieces and nephews; and many other extended relatives and friends.

Erika was preceded in death by her father, John Kaupp; her grandparents, Oswald and Ellen Kaupp, Stanley Pitsenberger, and Blanche Hiller-Taylor; and her dog & fur baby, McGhoo.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Wicoicaga Otipi Community Center, Flandreau, with burial in the First Presbyterian Cemetery. Visitation will begin Thursday from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with an all-night wake service beginning 7:00 pm at the community center.