Obituary of Friday, April 1, 2011, at 10:00 am at the Temple Beth Herkimer

LITTLE FALLS Erich Kupfer, 91, of Prospect Street, Little Falls, passed away unexpectedly Monday, March 28, 2011, at his home. Mr. Kupfer was born on August 5, 1919, in Munich, Germany, the son of the late Dr. Karl and Selma (Weiermann) Kupfer. He was educated in Munich schools. He immigrated to this country and to Little Falls in 1938. In 1942, Mr. Kupfer was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to the 98th Division of the 369th Field Artillery Battalion. He became a U.S. citizen during basic training in Kentucky. Mr. Kupfer would always remark that the 98th Division was the only one that never experienced combat during World War II. For 18 months he and his fellow soldiers were stationed in Hawaii. Japan surrendered two weeks before they were scheduled to leave the Island for the Far East. He was honorably discharged as staff sergeant on February 2, 1946. On April 16, 1946, Mr. Kupfer was united in marriage to the former Ruth Lendau by transcontinental telephone from London, England, to Topeka, Kansas, where he lived after the war. They were married for 50 years. Mrs. Kupfer predeceased her husband on November 9, 1996. Mr. Kupfer was a member of Temple Beth El in Utica and was past president of Temple Beth Joseph in Herkimer. He and Ruth were active in many charitable causes in Little Falls and the Mohawk Valley, with the spirit of giving back to a country and an area that was so accepting of them. He was an honorary member and past president of the Little Falls Civic Club; past exulted ruler of the Elks Lodge #42, B.P.O.E, Little Falls; past vice president of the NYS Elks Lodge; past president and secretary and a current member of the Board of Directors of the Little Falls Rotary Club; past treasurer of the Little Falls Unit of the Salvation Army; and past president of the Mohawk Valley Lodge of Bnai Brith. During a job interview in New York City, a total stranger mentioned the Melrose Shoe Co. in Little Falls. Mr. Kupfer followed up on those remarks and arrived in Little Falls just before Thanksgiving in 1938. Over the years, he has been associated with the former Hubbard Heel Co., Herkimer; National Automotive Fibers Co., Little Falls; Leida Shoe Co., Dolgeville; and the Allegro Shoe Corp., Little Falls. He was the co-owner and treasurer of the former P & K Dress Co., Little Falls, from 1958 until his retirement in 1995. Mr. Kupfer enjoyed every day as it came along and was grateful to be in full command of all his senses for his age. He was also very thankful for all his friends and for the many happy times they enjoyed together through the years. Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011, at 10:00 am at the Temple Beth Joseph Cemetery, W. German Street Ext., Herkimer, with the Rabbi Jeffrey Segall of Temple Beth El officiating. Arrangements are by the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, Inc., 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls. There are no calling hours. Contributions in memory of Mr. Kupfer may be considered to the Little Falls Hospital, 140 Burwell St., Little Falls, NY 13365. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose.