August 1947 ~ January 2021
Wolodja “Walt” Kuprienko passed away on January 5, 2021 in Turlock, Calif. Walt was 73 years old.
Walt, of Ukrainian descent, was born in Buchool, Germany in 1947. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 with his parents and brother. They settled in Priest River, Idaho, where they were surrounded by other Ukrainian families. He graduated from Priest River High School in 1967. After high school, he joined the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division and served in the Vietnam War, where he was honorably discharged in 1970. Walt continued to be a patriotic man and was proud of the USA.
After the war, Walt met his wife of 50 years, Cheri, while working for Burlington Northern Railroad as a lineman in Spokane, Wash. Walt then began his career at Diamond International in Oldtown, Idaho becoming head sawyer until the mill closed. Walt loved hunting, fishing, old movies, riding his motorcycle, and anything with a lot of horsepower, but most importantly, he lived for his family. He was a man of much patience and generosity. He would help anyone at any time. He was known for grilling steaks in three feet of snow for anyone who asked for them.
In 1996, Walt moved to Chehalis, Wash. where he eventually retired from his career as a sawyer in 2000. With all the kids out of the house, Walt and Cheri moved back to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho before moving to California in 2015. Walt never quit calling Idaho his home. He was preceded in death by his parents Wolodamir and Maria Kuprienko and in-laws Harold and Josephine Vietz.
He is survived by his loving wife Cheri Kuprienko and their five children, Shawn Kuprienko and his wife Skye, Ricky Kuprienko and his wife Kimberly, Kevin Kuprienko, Allyssa Kuprienko, and Kristina Kuprienko, as well as two brothers and their wives, Nick and Ruby Kuprienko and John and Bev Kuprienko, plus six grandchildren, one great-grandson, and his dog, Finn.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Allen Mortuary in Turlock, Calif. is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book below.
Condolences(7)-
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Brenda Spangenberg says
January 30, 2021 at 12:16 amDear Cheri and Family.
We are so very saddened that Walt is no longer with you and all of us that love him so much. Our hearts are so sad and wish we could say something that would comfort you during this difficult time.
Please know how much we love you and hold you in our hearts. Walt was simply an amazing Man and we are so blessed to have had him in our lives.
God Bless you and your family and please feel our love to you always.
Lee, Brenda and Mario
Cyndie Bray says
January 17, 2021 at 6:45 pmMy dear sweet friend Cheri, you know how much I cared for Walt. And his passing was a total shock that broke many hearts. As we travel this journey together we will remain in Faith. I’m here for you every minute of every day.
To Walt’s children, you were blessed with a loving father who by example showed you all what a real man looks like. I know you will follow in his footsteps and continue to make him proud. God bless you all, and thank you for sharing your Dad and Mom with their many friends. !
Cyndie
Linda Berry says
January 13, 2021 at 7:44 pmI’m so sorry to learn of Walt’s passing. Sending Prayers for your whole family.
Linda Berry says
January 13, 2021 at 7:42 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Walt will be missed by all. Prayers for your whole family.
Yvonne Halley says
January 13, 2021 at 5:28 pmCheri
You and Walt were such a cute and loving couple. Your pictures show your love for one another. May your faith in God give you strength as you lean on him.
Cathy Lee Burns says
January 13, 2021 at 4:34 pmI am so sorry to hear about Walt’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family!
Anytime we got together to see Dylan and Kristina, Walt and Cheri were the most gracious hosts ever!
He will be greatly missed.
Love,
Cathy Burns
Casey Schaff says
January 13, 2021 at 3:02 amI’m sorry to hear about Walt, sending thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Casey