Jerry D. Stupka, of Trenton, Neb., was born August 10, 1938, on a farm north of Stratton to Mary (Sis) and William Stupka. He attended country school and Stratton (Neb.) High School.
On May 28, 1959, Jerry married Rita Janousek at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, Nebraska, of which he later became a member. Three children were born to this union. Jerry and Rita built a rich life together in Trenton. Jerry and Rita enjoyed their travels to visit friends and family across the country and were blessed to journey to Mexico, Canada, the Czech Republic, and Ireland. Jerry loved the soup in Ireland.
Jerry was active in community affairs and served on the Trenton Fire Department, Trenton Village Board, and the El Dorado Nursing Home Board. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Hitchcock County Museum Board, the Court Street Villa Board, and the Trenton Planning Commission.
Jerry wore many hats during his lifetime, including farmer, service station owner, over-the-road truck driver, oil field worker, and grocery store owner. Collecting and restoring John Deere was a passion for many years. He loved dogs, especially his special pal, Brandi the border collie. He was an excellent mechanic and an accomplished welder. He was able to repair nearly anything.
Jerry passed away at his home in Trenton on Sunday April 2, 2023. He was 84 years of age.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Donald and William; and sister, Irene Maybell. Surviving are his wife, Rita; sons, Scott (Brenda) of Anselmo, Nebraska and Stuart (Melissa) of Hays, Kansas; daughter Stacy of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren: Brandon of Greeley, Colorado, Danielle Gilligan (Tyler) of Gothenburg, Nebraska, Keenan of Anselmo, Kassandra Speer of Long Island, Kansas, Kelsey Schoen (Jason) of Hays, and Cecilia and Tristan Burda of Lincoln; eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Jerry never met a stranger, he had a keen sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke with friends and family. He was a favorite person of many and we shall miss him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 9, 2023, from 5PM-7PM at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton. A rosary will be recited following the visitation at 7PM.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, April 10, 2023, at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton with Father Gary Brethour celebrating. Interment will follow services in St. Cemetery in Trenton.
Memorials are suggested to St James Catholic Church or to the Hitchcock County Museum, both of Trenton. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.