Marijane (Richards) Porupsky

Marijane Porupsky (née Richards) passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, with her beloved husband Jeff by her side. Born August 8, 1946, in Virginia, Minnesota, Marijane will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends for her deep compassion, quiet strength, and creative spirit. A proud graduate of Memorial High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Class of 1964), Marijane lived a life rich in family, faith, friendship, and artistic expression.

She was married to the love of her life, Jeff Porupsky, for 58 wonderful years. Together they raised three children—Marc, Andy, and Katie—whose lives are forever shaped by her love, guidance, and the enduring values she instilled in them. Marijane found immense joy in her role as grandmother to Mackenzie, Jack, Ethan, and Karissa, who brought light and laughter to her life.

Marijane’s deep belief in God was the steady foundation of her life. Her quiet faith influenced how she lived, how she loved, and how she faced every challenge with grace. She passed this faith on to her children and, through them, to her grandchildren—leaving a spiritual legacy rooted in prayer, kindness, and trust in God’s plan.

She worked for many years with Adventures Plus in the Anoka-Hennepin School District, where she nurtured and inspired children with her warmth and creativity. During her time there, she also built lifelong friendships with many of her coworkers—bonds that enriched her life and brought her great joy. Her love of oil painting, crafting, and handmade artistry reflected the thoughtfulness she brought to every aspect of her life.

She cherished the solitude and natural beauty of their family cabin on Tom Lake in Hovland, Minnesota, where she found peace, inspiration, and connection with the wilderness she loved so deeply.

Over the course of her adult life, Marijane also shared a special bond with many beloved dogs, each of whom brought her comfort, companionship, and joy. Her home was always filled with the warmth of a wagging tail and the unconditional love that only a dog can give.

In middle age, she faced breast cancer with quiet strength and grace—another example of the resilience and courage that defined her life.

Her many oil paintings were admired by all who saw them, capturing the world through her eyes with grace and detail. These treasured works of art will remain part of her lasting legacy—cherished reminders of her talent, creativity, and the beauty she shared with the world.

Marijane was a devoted sister to Beverly Altman and is preceded in death by her brother Chuck Richards. Her family and friends will remember her not only for the beautiful things she created with her hands, but also for the love, support, and faith she shared so generously.

In her later years, Marijane was a resident of Cedar Creek Senior Living, where she was deeply loved not only by her family, but also by the caring staff who were touched by her gentle spirit and kindness.

Above all, Marijane was loved by any and all who knew her—in every chapter and role of her life. Whether as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, coworker, friend, or care resident, she left a lasting impression through her kindness, sincerity, and unwavering grace.

Visitation from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Dare’s Funeral Home, 805 Main St, Elk River.  Private Family Interment at Riverside Cemetery in Barnum, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to your local Humane Society, in Marijane’s memory—honoring both her compassion for people and her lifelong love of animals.

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