Donald Huppert
Donald (Don) Lee Huppert
January 1, 1934 – April 24, 2025
Don Huppert passed away in his home at the age of 91 surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by family and friends, who loved and respected him deeply. This includes his wife Diane Huppert of 54 years, his four children: Catherine (53), Peter (52), Mary-Louise (50), and Geoffrey (44); and his five grandchildren: Dakota (25), Laird (11), Elyse (8), Mila (6), and Kai (5). He was predeceased by his brother James Huppert.
Don was born is Stratton, CO to Joseph William Huppert and Bernice Sarah Colgan Huppert. He was proud of his German, Irish, and Belgium descent and his Catholic faith. He attended Catholic elementary and high schools. He even attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver, CO for a few years. He grew up in various parts of Colorado where he established his love for the outdoors, dancing, and golfing. His favorite part of being a kid was caddying at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, CO from the age of 9 until 19. He was a hard worker and never complained. He loved to work. He walked five miles to and from the course and worked all day, sometimes carrying four golf bags at a time for the entire 18 holes. He was an “A” caddy and won the title several years in a row. In addition to caddying, he loved to watch and play golf his entire life. He played and won several tournaments.
After high school, Don went directly into the U.S. Navy. He served from 1952 – 1956 during the Korean War. He was on the USS Boxer aircraft carrier as Radar Man 2nd Class Petty Officer. He was awarded the following medals while in the Navy: Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; China Service Medal (extended); and Good Conduct Medal. In 2019, he was honored at a banquet and received another medal for serving in the Korean War. He is honored with his name engraved on a brick at the San Francisco Korean War Memorial in the Presidio.
After the Navy, Don graduated from Regis College in Denver, CO. He then became a high school English teacher, a Parole Officer, and then he became a FBI Special Agent and retired after 20 years. After retirement, he retained his top security clearance and joined Mantech MSM Security Services Inc as a Contract Investigator. During this time, he conducted investigations for the Department of the Air Force, NASA, and U.S. Presidential Appointees. He also spent a significant amount of time volunteering for the St. Vincent De Paul car donation program. He served on the City of Novato Commission on Drugs & Alcohol. In addition, he was a Golf Marshall at both Marin Country Club and Indian Valley Golf Course in Novato, CA.
Don was a hard worker, but always made time for family and friends. He coached his children’s soccer and basketball teams. He never missed anything involving the kids, and he had four very active kids. He had boundless energy. He was the dad on the block who always organized games and took kids to the park. He was the dad in the pool launching all the kids up in the air and making sure they had the best time. He was very fit. He would run Mt. Burdell, and then do one arm push ups at the top of the mountain. Even into his 80s, he ran up the mountain.
His happiest times were spent with family, friends, gardening, golfing, and dancing. Any chance he had, he would be swinging his wife around the dance floor, or any other willing participant. He led a full life of honor and integrity. He will be missed greatly, but we are comforted knowing he left a loving imprint on the world.
A funeral Mass will be held in his honor at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Novato on May 31, 2025 at 10:30 am. Internment with a Veteran’s ceremony will take place at a future date at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home in Novato, CA.