Parents of a Servant of God

The K of C International Family of the Year seeks to spiritually strengthen Catholic families through the story of Michelle Duppong

Aug. 7, 2025

Ken and Mary Ann Duppong of Glen Ullin, North Dakota, parents of Servant of God Michelle Duppong, speak during the Supreme Knight’s Awards Session after receiving the 2025 International Family of the Year award on Aug. 4 — the couple’s 52nd wedding anniversary. (Photo by Paul Haring)

The Duppong family of Glen Ullin, North Dakota, was honored as the 2025 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year during the annual Supreme Knight’s Award Session on Aug. 4.

From the very beginning, faith has been at the center of Ken and Mary Ann Duppong’s family life. From their daily family rosary to enthroning the Sacred Heart of Jesus in their home to organizing Corpus Christi celebrations near their family farm, they have always placed God first. Ken and Mary Ann, who have been married for 52 years, have handed on the faith to their six children and 18 grandchildren. Today, the family remains close and puts their faith in action through service to their parish and community.

Ken, a member of of Bishop Ryan Council 4004 in Glen Ullin, has been a Knight for 53 years and has held several leadership roles, including serving as grand knight for five years. He and Mary Ann have been incredibly active as leaders and volunteers in their parish and communities. This includes leading rosaries before Sunday Masses, managing the parish bookstore, hosting faith studies, visiting the local nursing home, helping with church repair and preservation, and participating in pro-life events.

The Duppong family of Glen Ullin, North Dakota, was honored as the 2025 Knights of Columbus International Family of the Year during the annual Supreme Knight’s Award Session on Aug. 4.

Ken and Mary Ann Duppong (back row, center) of Glen Ullin, North Dakota — joined by their children, children’s spouses and grandchildren — stand with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, his wife, Vanessa, and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori after being recognized as the 2025 International Family of the Year. (Photo by Paul Haring) — Ken and Mary Ann Duppong (back row, center) of Glen Ullin, North Dakota — joined by their children, children’s spouses and grandchildren — stand with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, his wife, Vanessa, and Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori after being recognized as the 2025 International Family of the Year. *(Photo by Paul Haring)*

Ken and Mary Ann’s children — Jeff, Lisa, Sara, Michelle, Renae and Kalene — have also been exemplars of the Catholic faith in their adult lives. Their son, Jeff, and sons-in-law, Kyle and Brad, are Knights, and both Michelle and Renae served as FOCUS campus missionaries. Lisa volunteers in her children’s Christian homeschooling community, while Kalene has devoted herself to developing local Catholic Montessori programs for children. Sara volunteers at her parish, her children’s Catholic school and with various community groups. Renae continues her evangelization work with people of all ages and also engages in healing ministry. The rest of the Duppong family, including spouses and grandchildren, are also active members of their schools, parishes and dioceses.

Notably, the cause for canonization for their daughter, Michelle, who died of cancer in 2015 at the age of 31, was opened in 2022 by the Diocese of Bismarck, at which time she received the title Servant of God. The Duppongs have spent the past 20 years hosting hundreds of people at their family farm for faith-related social events and retreats, and more recently to share the story of Michelle’s life with people who come to visit her grave.

Throughout their lives, members of the Duppong family have relied on their Catholic faith and exemplified a thirst for the truth and hope of Christ. Today, the family continues to share Michelle’s story of joy and trust in God, as well as their own wisdom, to help strengthen Catholic families in the modern world.

WATCH: Family of the Year – The Duppong Family: Parents of a Servant of God