Olive J. Hupf

Olive J. Hupf, 92, of Randolph, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026, entering the loving arms of her Jesus after a full and meaningful life.

Olive was born October 10, 1933, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Alonzo and Dorthea Amelia (Vick) Nygaard. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1951 and worked at Kreiser's Drug Store through high school, then at a local bank after graduating. While rollerskating, she met the love of her life, Vernon Hupf, of Kranzburg, South Dakota. They were married June 11, 1955, after his return from Army service.

The couple moved to Northfield, Minnesota in 1956 to chase their dream of dairy farming, and in 1962 purchased their farm near Randolph, where they raised six children.

Olive had a deep faith and was very active in church life at St. Mathias Church in Hampton and St. Pius Church in Cannon Falls. She served as a Christian education teacher and later Director of Christian Education. She gave of her time and talents endlessly. She started a children's choir, played the organ for Mass, and mentored young organists. She was also active in the Council of Catholic Women, holding multiple leadership roles, including state president. Her most recent passion project was the Appalachia Semi Project. For more than 15 years, she led this mission collecting Christmas gifts and donations for underprivileged children in Kentucky. Enough to fill a semi each year!

Olive was a dedicated 4-H mom and leader at local, county, and state levels. She reveled in watching her kids show cattle, learn to lead, and grow in the program. She helped start the Cloverbud program for younger children, which continues to be one of the largest programs in 4-H. She had a lifelong love of fairs, exhibiting flowers and baked goods, earning several Champion ribbons over the years. Olive ran the 4-H dairy show at the Cannon Valley and Dakota County fairs for many years, and was instrumental in starting the Minnesota Ayrshire State Show at the Cannon Valley Fair.

Olive served for many years on the Randolph School Board, helping to establish the Randolph High School agricultural program in 1977, and helping launch the student-built house project in the 1980's - programs that continue to thrive and benefit students and our community today.

Olive enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and time with her family and friends. Her smile and laugh were infectious!

Olive is survived by her children: Jeannette (Bob) Sheehan, Mary Nelson, Kathy Hupf, John Hupf, and Libby (Todd) Montreuil; grandchildren: Kelly (Dan) Kendall, Andrew (Juliana) Sheehan, Krista (Jordan) Kuzma, Erik (Megan) Nelson, Tracy Nelson, Brenda (Alex) Miller, AJ (Cortney) Neil, Molly (Ryan) Kappers, Dylan Tate, and Cooper Tate; and many great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; son, Stephen; siblings Alvin, Oscar, Andrew, Odell, and Ann Nygaard; and son-in-law Duane Nelson.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 20 from 4-7 pm at St. Mathias Church in Hampton. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 21 at 11 am, with visitation from 10-11 am, at St. Mathias Church. Interment to follow at the church cemetery.