Memorial
Kenneth “Ken” K. Kupka, 95, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1000 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, 11am on Friday, April 13, 2018. Family will receive visitors at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, April 12 from 4 – 7pm. The church will host a luncheon immediately following the service. Interment, with military funeral honors by the US Army, at Cedar Memorial Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, IA after the luncheon.
Kenneth K. Kupka was born on February 20, 1923; the son of Edward and Merle (Mannasmith) Kupka. On June 21st, 1953 Ken was united into marriage to the love of his life Helen Stride. Ken served in the Army during World War II, stationed in Burma and India. After the Army, he attended the University of Iowa and then Iowa Wesleyan University, graduating with a degree in Finance.
After college, Ken worked as an Accountant for International Harvester, and held positions with Century Engineering and the Cedar Rapids Community School District. He later became the first Secretary to the Board of Directors of Area 10 Community College (now Kirkwood Community College) until his retirement in 1985.
In retirement, Ken traveled throughout the US. He also enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening and was an avid volunteer at Indian Creek Nature Center and The Science Station. Ken served as an usher for First Lutheran Church for many years and was a member of the Building Committee.
Survived by his loving wife of 64 years Helen L. Kupka; sons, Kevin (Lorraine) Kupka, Kerry (Kathy) Kupka; grandchildren, Alissa Kupka, Ashley Kupka, Katie Kupka; brothers, Jim Kupka, Eugene (Faithe) Kupka; sister, Shirley (Bill) Moodie; sister-in-law, Jean Theobald; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert Kupka.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to First Lutheran Church (1000 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403), Kirkwood Community College (6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404), or Indian Creek Nature Center (5300 Otis Road SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403).