Kathryn Marie (Petr) Hupp, 73, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on June 29th in her home with her loved ones at her side.
Kathy, daughter of Winzer and Gertrude (Christiansen) Petr, grew up in Topeka, KS and graduated from Topeka High School in 1969. She continued her education later in life, obtaining an Associate of Science degree from Washburn University in 1998.
Before starting her family, Kathy worked for Southwestern Bell as a lineworker. She also worked in the Topeka school system and Head Start program before completing her degree and becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant and eventually teaching at Washburn University.
On June 7, 1975, she married Douglas Elton Hupp in Lawrence. He preceded her in death on January 28, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her son Samuel Henry Hupp who passed away on March 2, 2021.
Survivors include her daughters; Sara Warnock and Caitlin Hupp, both of Lawrence; companion, Larry Andersen; grandchildren, Elsa Warnock and Maxwell Hupp-Dahda; siblings, Jim Petr, Chris Petr, and David Petr.
We will forever remember Kathy for her strength and her ability to accomplish anything she set her mind to. She was a force, a leader, and she always knew best. Her spirit lives on in the family traditions and memories she joyfully cultivated with her daughters, grandchildren, and her partner, Larry.
As per Kathy’s wishes, cremation is planned, and services will be announced at a later date. Kathy’s ashes will be laid to rest at her family cottage in Denbigh, Ontario, Canada; her favorite place on earth.
I agree with Jenith’s comment about Kathy’s fantastic portrayal of Joan of Arc at THS. It is one I haven’t forgotten.
I didn’t have much contact with Kathy after high school, but did see her at a reunion. I am saddened to read of her passing.
My most vivid memories of Kathy were from her outstanding portrayal of Joan of Arc in “The Lark,” in which I was also a cast member, our senior year at Topeka High. Then when I started working at Washburn in 2008, she was teaching in the same building but left not long after I started… but we did get to have some fun conversations. I know she’ll be greatly missed by many.
I worked with Kathy at Washburn University. She was an awesome lady who had a lot of knowledge to share! She was always quizzing me on different things. I remember her trips to Canada. I have often thought of her since she left WU. She will be missed by many. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
David Petr: I am sorry for your family’s loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers over the next few days.
I worked with Kathy at St. Francis, enjoyed our time as a team. She often talked of her family cabin. Prayers.