Ed Kaup

Ed Kaup, 85, of rural West Point, died Friday, November 6, 2026 at his home. Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am on Tuesday, November 24 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. Burial with Military Honors will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery with lunch following at the Nielsen Center. Visitation will be Monday, November 23 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with a Vigil Service at 7:00pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to John A. Stahl Library, Franciscan Healthcare Foundation, or St. Joseph’s Elder Services Foundation. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home.

Ed Kaup was born on May 11, 1941, to Leo and Martha (Ortmeier) Kaup. He grew up in the West Point area and attended Guardian Angels School, graduating on May 31, 1959.

In September 1959, Ed enlisted in the United States Navy. Following boot camp, he volunteered for submarine school and later attended electrician school. Upon completing his training, Ed was assigned to the USS Charr submarine. One of his most memorable experiences during his military service was preparing for the possibility of war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After four years of service, Ed was honorably discharged from the Navy.

Following his military service, Ed began working at Western Electric in Omaha. After six months, he returned to West Point and established Kaup Electric. On July 17, 1965, Ed married Lynette Pospishil. The couple was blessed with two children, Dawn and Jason.

Ed later developed an interest in farming and cattle feeding, eventually selling his electrical business to his brother, Jerry. He dedicated much of his life to agriculture while remaining deeply committed to serving his community.

Ed was actively involved in numerous community organizations and served on several boards throughout his life. He served on the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Board of Directors from 1971 to 1980 and was a member of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors from 1982 until his passing. From 1983 to 1993, Ed served on the St. Joseph’s Retirement Community Board of Directors, where he had the distinction of being the first layperson to serve on the board.

His commitment to the community extended beyond healthcare. Ed also served on the boards of directors for the West Point Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he dedicated 30 years of service to the Public Power District Board of Directors.

Ed is survived by his wife, Lynette Kaup; children, Jason Kaup and Dawn Kaup (Joe Sine); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Leona Meister, Gary (Connie) Kaup, Jerome (Marguerite) Kaup, and Allen (Mary) Kaup.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Martha Kaup; brother, Ken (Clarice) Kaup; and brother-in-law, Paul Meister.