Nathan Stupka

Nathan Wade Stupka, 48, of Elkhart passed away October 13, 2020 due to COVID-19. A visitation will be held Friday, October 16, from 4-7 p.m. at Prairie Ridge Church (828 NW 36th St. Ankeny, IA 50023). A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m., also at the church.

Nate was born to Clarence and Marlene Stupka on November 30, 1971 in Yankton, South Dakota making him the youngest child in a family of 5. 

Nate attended school at Ballard after moving to Huxley, Iowa in 1972. He played football, basketball, and was an All-State pitcher for the Bomber Baseball team. While in high school he met his wife Amy in 1989 while "scooping the loop" with friends in Ames. They knew from their very first kiss that they had found something rare and lasting in each other.

Nate married Amy on June 24, 1995. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri where Nate worked for Midland Hobby Supply and the two of them made lifelong friendships with the neighbors in their cul-de-sac. In 1997, Nate went to work for his father-in law, Jon Struthers, in the family heavy construction business and moved back home to Iowa. It was in this business where Nate found his true talent in selling and managing people within that industry. Nate went on to become President and COO of Intertractor America and Valupart. Nate had just begun a new adventure heading up a new division of Intertractor just weeks before his passing. 

In March 2001, Nate and Amy welcomed twin sons, Dylan and Nick. His parents and in-laws recall him emerging from the delivery room and shouting, "I'm a Dad!". Nate spent countless hours teaching the boys about his true passions: sports and the outdoors. He loved coaching their baseball teams and teaching them all he knew about fishing and hunting. He and his boys formed a very special bond spending their time with each other and great friends on countless lakes, fields, and hunting trips. 

Nate was passionate, determined, and had a big infectious personality. He was never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought about something! Whatever he did, he did big. He loved and protected Amy, Dylan, and Nick with everything he had. He cherished moments with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. All things in his life revolved around the things he was passionate about: his family, the outdoors, and sports, even choosing to become a referee for the IHSAA just to keep himself involved in the game after his sons were done playing sports in school.

Nate was a beloved son and brother, an amazing father, adoring husband, and loyal friend. Gone way too soon, he will be missed by all. 

Nate is survived by his wife, Amy; 2 sons, Dylan and Nick; his parents, Clarence and Marlene Stupka; siblings, Tim (Julie) Stupka, Jane Bauman, Steve Stupka, and Carrie (Austin) Ballentine; father and mother in-law, Jon and Alice Struthers; brother in-law, Jon (Connie) Struthers Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nate Stupka Memorial Classic. A crappie fishing tournament to be held at Lake Red Rock this spring, in Nate's honor.