Myles Kupka

Friday, September 8, 2023 7:31 pm

Myles Kupka, age 90, of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at his home in Fort Atkinson.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, with Rev. Jerry Kopacek presiding. The burial will be in the church cemetery with full military rites following the service.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at Helms Funeral Home Chekal Chapel, 201 East Main, Fort Atkinson, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday at St. John’s Catholic Church.

Myles Kupka, age 90, of Fort Atkinson passed away at his home on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, with his niece Faye by his side. Myles was born on July 15, 1933, in Fort Atkinson, the son of Charles and Mary (Barta) Kupka. Left to cherish his memory are four sisters: Marcella Sizemore of Kansas City, Mabel Schwamman of Decorah, Maxine Brincks of Ossian, and Joanne Gerleman of Fort Atkinson, sister-in-law Bonnie Kupka, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin Kupka and Mark Kupka, sisters Margaret (Hugo) Leibold, Mildred (Clyde) Straka, and Madonna (Roger) Vine, brothers-in-law Sonny Sizemore, John Schwamman Sr., Cletus Brincks, and Gene Gerleman, nephews John Schwamman Jr. and Ken Gerleman, and nieces Ann Finger, Heidi Kupka, and Kathy Leibold.

Myles grew up in a close-knit, humble, and loving home and learned to work hard at a young age. He graduated from Fort Atkinson High School and worked as a carpenter and on road construction throughout his life. Myles took care of his mother at the family home and eventually built his dream house in town where he moved his mom in 1973. That home was where Myles wanted to stay for the rest of his life and he was grateful to do exactly that.

Myles enjoyed nature – fishing in special hiding places in the summer months and ice fishing during the winter months. He also enjoyed playing bingo with his sisters in Ossian on Sundays. He enjoyed sitting outside in his garage during the summer, feeling the warm breeze and talking with his neighbors and friends. His beautiful mums which he cherished were just starting to bloom this past week.

Myles loved Fort Atkinson and was Chairman of Fort Atkinson Historical Society for 32 years. The annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous Days celebration was a highlight of the year for him, his favorite day being the educational school day where he helped check in the different schools attending.

Myles considered Faye and Jay as the children he never had. Dale was the substitute grandson who was affectionately called ‘little guy’ when he was young and upgraded to ‘my boy’ as he got older. Myles still wore the sweatshirt to the very end that said “Big Guy” on it – years after Dale outgrew his “Little Guy” shirt.

Myles was a proud veteran and served in the army in Korea and was a member of the Fort Atkinson American Legion. On May 5, 2015, Myles was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, an experience that was one of the most memorable ones of his life.

The long days of hard work took a toll on Myles’s body. Throughout the years, he suffered many medical ailments – but he never complained. He carried his cross with dignity and with gratitude to those who helped care for him to the very end of his life.

Myles will be missed by so many people. He would want all of you to remember him as a man who loved God, his community, and his country.