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Clarence P. Stupka

May 26, 1933 - March 31, 2023

Clarence P. Stupka “Stu” passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023, at his home in Ankeny. He was 89 years old.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd) with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st St). with burial following at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Clarence was born on May 26, 1933, on a farm near Garner, Iowa, to Martin and Anna (Hrubes) Stupka. He was the youngest of eight siblings. Clarence graduated in 1950 as class President from Garner Hayfield High School. After graduating, he spent three years at home helping his mom and dad on the farm before enlisting in the US Army in 1953.

During his years of service, he attended Ft. Leonard Wood for sixteen weeks of training before being stationed in Seoul, Korea for 18 months.

In 1957, he married Marlene Brown. Together they had five children: Tim, Jane, Steve, Carrie, and Nathan. The family made their home in the Huxley and Ankeny area. Clarence retired from Hy-Vee in 1997. After retirement, Clarence and Marlene spent their winters in Southern Texas.

Clarence enjoyed all things sports. He loved attending and watching ball games and collecting sports memorabilia. He especially loved getting to watch his grandchildren and great-grandchildren play. Family and friends were incredibly important to Clarence, and he loved getting together with them to play a game of cards, dominoes, or do a puzzle. He was known to have a disposable camera in his shirt pocket, always ready to snap a picture of the people he loved. He was a longtime fan of Elvis, horse racing, and dancing.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene; his children, Tim (Julie) Stupka of Sioux Falls, SD, Jane Bauman of Story City, Steve (Kam) Stupka of Johnston, Carrie (Austin) Ballentine of Norwalk; daughter-in-law Amy Stupka of Elkhart; 14 grandchildren, Molly, Staci, Joe, Brittany, Austin, Stephen, Kendrick, Jordan, Ashley, Amanda, Bryan, Kaeleigh, Nick, and Dylan; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Nathan; son-in-law, David Bauman; and his seven siblings.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ballard or North Polk Athletic Booster Clubs in Clarence’s honor.