John S. Duprey

John Duprey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away September 25, 2026 surrounded by his wife and children. He was 83 years old.

John Stillman Duprey was born November 22, 1942, in Quincy, Massachusetts to Francis and Elizabeth Duprey (Dorley). John received his associate's degree in law enforcement and corrections from Norfolk Jr. College. In 1962 John joined the US Navy. His naval service took him to the Philippines and Vietnam. He joined the Army in 1993, retiring as a First Sergeant in 2002 with 26 years of total service. John held many other positions in his lifetime including officer in the Norfolk Nebraska police department, officer in The Nebraska State Patrol, special agent for the Nebraska State Liquor Commission, security officer for the Youth Rehabilitation Center, meat inspector at the USDA, feed salesman for Hubbard Milling Company and hog farmer.

On July 27, 1968 he married the love of his life, Darlene Nielsen. They raised two children, John Duprey and Michele Blum. They lived in Fremont, Omaha and Carleton Nebraska for 30 years. After his retirement, they moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. John belonged to the VFW, American Legion and Ghost of Christmas organizations.

John and Darlene enjoyed traveling, going to the lake and spending time with their grandchildren. John enjoyed woodworking and collecting many things. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and anything that had to do with family.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Darlene, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; son John Duprey (Kim) Hartford, South Dakota and Michele Blum (Troy) Oxford, Alabama. There are 8 Grandchildren and 11 Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by parents, Francis and Dorothy, his brother, Robert, his Great Grandson, Hayden and many other family members and friends.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family would like donations made to the Wounded Warrior Project Foundation.

Visitation will be on October 3rd, at 9:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church (1400 South Duluth Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota). Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church. Those unable to attend may view the livestream by clicking here. A graveside interment at Hills of Rest Cemetery, with a Military Honors ceremony, will immediately follow the funeral service. After interment, there will be a luncheon served at Zion Lutheran Church.