Clarence E. Hupka

Clarence Elmer Hupka was born February 7, 1922 near Tecumseh, Nebraska to Barney and Julia (Kerner) Hupka.   He was the oldest of three children born to this union.  He grew up on a farm and attended St. Mary’s Parochial School through the eighth grade.  He was united in marriage to Helen Wellensiek on October 17, 1946 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Mary, Nebraska. This union was blessed with four sons, Michael “Mick”, James “Jim”, Randy and Robert “Bob”.

  Clarence served his country in U.S. Navy from his enlistment Oct. 6, 1942 to his honorable discharge Jan. 7, 1946.  He was one of 317 survivors of the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis of which only 17 are still alive today.  Clarence enjoyed reuniting and visiting with his fellow ship-mates at the annual reunions in Indianapolis.  Due to health reasons he had missed the last several reunions.    

   Clarence and Helen moved to the farm near Cook where they farmed for 40 years.  They later retired into Cook in 1992.  Clarence enjoyed playing cards, bowling and music, especially polka music, and dancing.  He and Helen enjoyed square dancing for many years.  He especially loved spending time with family and friends.  Although he enjoyed farming, Clarence dedicated many years working to better the lives of the handicapped in S.E. Nebraska.  He was also instrumental in establishing some of the programs for the ESU.  He was a faithful member of ESU 4, the Knights of Columbus, SENDS and Region 5. 

  When his health declined Clarence became a resident of Ridgeview Towers in Tecumseh.  He passed away at Belle Terrace in Tecumseh on October 29, 2017 at the age of 95 years. 

   He is survived by his wife, Helen Hupka of Cook, sons, Michael Hupka and wife Marlene of Minot, ND, James Hupka and wife Lorrie of Olathe, KS and Randy Hupka of Cook, grandchildren, Jeff and Carey Hupka, Josh and Erica Hupka, Rhonda and Duane Beadle, Sheila and Lance Racine, Melissa Mosser, Lindsey and Brent Fast and Katie and Kellie Hupka, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson, sister-in-law, Geraldine Hupka of St. Mary and nieces and nephews.

   Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, son, Robert “Bob” Hupka, brother, Joseph Hupka and sister, Janis Sobotta.  

  Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Craig Clinch officiating.

   Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Thursday, November 2, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church. 

   Memorials in lieu of flowers may go to the family’s choice.

   Interment will be in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska with full military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team, the Tecumseh VFW Post #8221 of Tecumseh and the Bickel-Nelson American Legion Post #360 of Cook.

   Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.  

 Service Information