Stephen W.J. Dupras

Born August 21, 1947, in Marquette, the only child of Clarence and Margherita (Bollero) Dupras, Stephen spent his early years in the Marquette area, graduating in 1965 from Bishop Baraga Catholic High School. He earned his Bachelors and Masters of Arts degrees from Michigan State University graduating in 1971, and spent a summer studying International Journalism in Yugoslavia.

Steve was an avid roller skater in his youth and spent much of his weekends at the Bishop Baraga Roller rink skating and working as a floor guard. As fate would have it, in 1971 Steve met Linda Dupras through mutual friends at the roller rink. After a 4 year courtship they were married at St. Peter Cathedral on July 19, 1975.

Following college, Stephen began his broadcasting career in news at radio stations in Ironwood, Marquette, and Traverse City before returning to Marquette to serve as station manager of WNMU-FM (Public Radio 90) for 17 years. The station went through many changes over those years, growing in all areas including coverage area, programming and fund raising.

He then went on to pursue a career in real estate and was co-owner of Statewide Real Estate until his retirement in 2010.

Stephen was always actively involved in the organizations to which he belonged. He had a strong set of values and was not easily swayed by others, yet was very respectful of their opinions and viewpoints. Those values were carried throughout all aspects of his life. And he was not one to back down from a healthy debate. He was a member of St. Peter Cathedral parish, serving on the parish council, the Knights of Columbus Council #689, serving a term as Grand Knight, the Diocese of Marquette finance council, the board of the Upper Peninsula Association of Realtors, St Vincent DePaul Society, Michigan Snowmobile Association, and Marquette Country Trails Snowmobile Grooming program director, where he was instrumental in expanding and improving the Marquette area trail system. He was also a charter member of Marquette West Rotary Club where he helped organize and run the annual Marquette Harbor Seafood Fest. He and his wife, Linda, could always be found working on the front lines every year, usually elbow deep in food prep.

Stephen and Linda enjoyed motorcycling and snowmobiling- covering the UP from Ironwood to Sault Ste. Marie on their sleds over their years of riding as members of the Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club. They also enjoyed traveling, visiting Europe several times. They developed a love of Italy and were making plans to return next year. They also enjoyed an occasional spin at the casinos.

Although they had no children of their own, Stephen and Linda enjoyed spending time with family, friends and their children, who quickly learned Steve to be the purveyor of copious amounts of candy at gatherings.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Linda (Beyer) Dupras of Marquette: brothers and sisters-in-law, Wayne (Carol) Beyer of Menominee, MI/Mulberry, Florida; Tom(Lori) Beyer of Cedar Rapids, IA; Kathy(Tom) Welch of Kapolei, HI and Patrick (Robin) Beyer of Marquette; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday August 7th, at St Peter Cathedral with visitation from 9:30 to 11:30. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 with Rev. Brandon Oman officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at Negaunee Cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will serve as honor guard.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff and the 6th floor nurses for their kindness and compassion for Stephen and the family while he was in their care.

In lieu of flowers consider donations to St Vincent DePaul, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 and UPAWS, 815, South State Highway M553, Gwinn, MI 49855.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.