Howard Koupal

Howard R. “Bud” Koupal died at the age of 95 on November 11, 2019.

Bud was born in Lincoln, NE on June 11, 1924 to Vida Randall Koupal and Richard V. Koupal.

He attended the University of Nebraska before his college education was interrupted in 1943 when he was drafted into the army to serve in World War II. Bud was a member of the 45th Division Combat Engineers T-5 supporting combat troops in France, Austria, and Germany. His division landed in Europe in November of 1944. Bud earned a Purple Heart during his service in January 1945.

After returning from service overseas, Bud returned to the University of Nebraska and received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1950. Throughout his career, Bud worked for several firms, including Linscott, Keene & Haylett, Curtis Associates, and KSK.

In 1953, Bud married Janice Proper in Kansas City. They raised their family of five children in Prairie Village and were very active parents, supportive of all of their children’s activities including Boy Scouts and Shawnee Mission East Band and Theater.

Bud and Jan always had a love for arts and crafts, and they spent their retirement years as active creators and collectors of miniatures. They were inaugural volunteers and supporters of Kansas City’s National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Bud also volunteered during his retirement for the Ronald McDonald House, Village Church’s Food Pantry, and the Nelson Gallery.

Bud was predeceased by his oldest son, Mark, his wife of 60 years, Jan, and his sister, Margaret McKenna.

He leaves his children, Karen Koupal, Lynne O’Connell (Mark), Julie Koupal, and Jay Koupal (Susan) in addition to his pride and joy, his 9 grandchildren, Caroline, Stephanie, Kevin, Holly, Sean, Ryan, Kerry, Evan, and Nathan, as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Reagan.

A celebration of Bud’s life will be held Saturday, November 23 at 11:00am in Westminster Hall at Kingswood Senior Living Community. Memorial donations in Bud’s name may be made to the The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112.