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E. Darlene (Rieger) Kaupu, daughter of the late William Elmond and Helen Violet (Kyt) Rieger, was born on December 19, 1937 in Gilman, Colorado, where her father worked in the coal mines until the family returned home to the family farm in New Leipzig, North Dakota. Darlene was her father's favorite farm hand and worked the fields alongside him from the age of 5. This close bond between father and daughter was sustained throughout their lives. Her closest friends were the farm animals, especially her beloved horse Hoppy. Her first eight years of schooling were spent in a one room school house on the North Dakota prairie. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
After graduation from New Leipzig High, Darlene journeyed 500 miles from home to attend Yankton College in Yankton, South Dakota where she met a young Hawaiian theology student, David Kaupu. They were married at the college chapel in 1958 and made their way home to Hawai'i in 1960. For over 61 years, their love was based on two commitments: love for ke Akua and love for others - including each other and their growing 'ohana.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Mom and Hei were titles of endearment for Darlene. She was a dedicated wife and mother raising her five children and parenting many others as Mama Kahu in the Hawaiian churches and at the Kamehameha Schools. Many Kamehameha boys from the 1970's and 1980's affectionately called her Ma for the rest of her life. She was employed as a receptionist, phone operator and administrative assistant at the Bishop Museum until her retirement in 1997. Her most precious role was that of Grammy to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They continue the proud Rieger Kaupu legacy.
Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.
Mama Kahu left this life on June 11, 2020 and is survived by her husband, Kahu David K. Kaupu; four children: Helen Kaupu Kaowili, Lisanne (Bruce) Kekuewa, Russell (Gaynor) Kaupu and Keala Kaupu; brother: Robert (Janice) Rieger of Minneapolis, Minnesota; fourteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and uku paila nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her daughter Suzanne Kaupu Soon, and brothers Wm. Elmond Rieger, Jr and Charles Rieger.
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31
Due to COVID-19, a private service was held on December 19, 2020 at Bishop Memorial Church, Kapalama, Hawai'i.
Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
