Richard "Rick" Czupka

Richard (Rick) Edward Czupka, 90, passed away peacefully on September 25th at his home in Eldridge, IA, surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 4-6 pm at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home followed by a rosary service at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 2 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, with additional visitation starting one hour prior. Lunch will be served from 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Our Lady of Victory Community Center, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery in Rock Island, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Empowering Abilities (HDC) in his honor.

Rick was born August 3, 1936 in Chicago, IL to Andrew and Genevieve (Czosynka) Czupka.

He graduated from Alleman High School in 1954. On April 21,1956 he married the love of his life, Lois Edmonds, at St Joseph’s Church in Rock Island, IL. They shared 70 years together and raised 10 children.

In his early years, he was a member of the Czupka Family Band, in which he played the marimba. The “Biggest Little One Family Band” toured the Midwest and played at the Hollywood Bowl.

He was a hardworking provider for his family across a range of jobs, including Canada Dry delivery driver, firefighter, rigger and plumber. But for most of his life, he was self-employed, using his finely tuned skills for home improvement projects of all kinds.

At a young age, he discovered his lifelong love of fishing. That passion would lead to realizing his dream of owning and running Knotty Pines Resort in Nevis, MN for nine years. After the sale of the resort, he and Lois enjoyed retirement with another 20 summers at their lake cabin in Menahga, MN.

In addition to fishing, he enjoyed hunting for small game, foraging berries and mushrooms, and gardening. Experiencing vacations with family and friends was a must. He enjoyed sharing these activities and cherished the memories they provided. Although a man of few words, he had a generous heart and was quick to help anyone in need.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Lois, his children Cindy (Todd) Manson of Huntsville, AL; Cherie (Danny) Pugil of Boise, ID; Connie (Bill) Worrell of Orlando, FL; Clint (Mike Miller) of Minneapolis, MN; Craig (Kim) of Lafayette, IN; Curt (Colleen) of Davenport, IA; Cathy (Ross) Radig of Mt Juliet, TN; Cory (Gina) of Minneapolis, MN; and Carrie Czupka of Davenport, IA; as well as 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sister Bernadine Bowman of Moline, IL, sister- and brother-in-law Kathy and Jim Williams of Rock Island, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Carol Periera, his parents, 5 brothers, 2 sisters and his parents-in-law, Eddie and Ethel Edmonds.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff of Grand Haven and St. Croix Hospice for their compassion, support and love towards Rick and the entire family during this difficult time.

No more “Czupka goodbyes.” Go rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done, we love you!