Bradley J Kupris

Bradley J Kupris, Sr, age 62, of Pekin (Green Valley), IL, passed peacefully in his home on March 29th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with heart failure. Born in Chicago and raised in the western suburbs, Brad was a bit of a rebel and lived life his way. He was a kind and thoughtful soul but would tell you like it is. This often drove people crazy, including his family, but it's what made Brad special. He loved animals and was a master gardener. It was because of these passions that at the age of 30 he moved his wife and first daughter to Milaca, Minnesota where he learned to farm. He grew his family as well the best hay around. Brad moved his wife and now 3 kids back to IL in 1995, settling in the Green Valley area where he continued to organically farm and raise organic beef, chickens, quail, hay and garden variety veggies. He designed his farm to include an edible landscape with fruit trees and berry bushes galore. Brad was outstanding in his field, and often could be seen out standing in his fields talking to his plants and critters. When he wasn't focused on farming he was off fishing, hunting or hiking usually dragging a child or three along. Brad taught his children to love and respect nature, the value of hard work, the importance of self sustainability and to always question and never ever settle. His family was his everything and he was so proud of each of his children. Brad is heartbreakingly missed and survived by his wife, Candi (nee Carter) Kupris of Pekin; two daughters, Sarrah A. ( Michael) Yavorshak of Pekin and Michelle L. Kupris of Chicago; one son, Bradley J. Kupris of Pekin; grandson, Cameron Yavorshak; granddaughter, Oakley Yavorshak; father and step-mother, Charles J. and Sandra Kupris of Plainfield, IL; two brothers, Christopher (Jennifer) Kupris of Hampshire, IL and Brian (Mary) Kupris of Bartlett, IL; and two sisters, Jamie (Justin) Svoboda of Oswego, IL and Laura White of Newark, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother, Valaria Stover; grandmother, Ella Anderen; and uncle, John Kupris. In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Brad has requested to "have a party" which will be announced at a later date. Also in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made through CEFCU acct # 1745494 Sarrah Yarvorshak FBO Bradley J Kupris, Sr or Venmo@cckup to help with final expenses and to help offset/support the family who had stayed by Brad's side the past 9 months. If that is not possible PLEASE gather your family, give each other hugs and plant a tree in Brad's honor. His heart of this world may have failed but his spirit was stubbornly strong. "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglassesHit it." Safe journey, Brad.

Bradley J Kupris

March 9, 1961 - March 29, 2023