Richard Duane Chalupa

Carmel, Indiana  - Richard Duane Chalupa, 69, Muncie, IN, passed away peacefully on July 26, at Brookdale Carmel due to complications of vascular dementia.  He was born on December 3, 1948, in Loup City, NE, to Edward and Rosie (Brim) Chalupa, the oldest of three children.  After graduating from Sargent Public Schools in 1967, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education (1971) and a Master’s (1973) from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He first taught agriculture and welding and sponsored FFA in Pender, NE, from 1971-1979.  On August 3, 1979, he married Marilyn Uhl and they moved to Broken Bow, NE, where he continued to teach agriculture and welding and sponsor FFA.  While a teacher in Nebraska, he was active in the NE State Vocational Education Association and held various offices including president 1978-79; he was also active in the NE State Vocational Agriculture Association and held various offices including president 1983-84.  In 1984, he joined the University of Nebraska Extension and became the agriculture agent and 4-H youth agent for Fillmore County, Geneva, NE.   In 1988, Rich and Marilyn moved to Muncie, IN, where he became a member of the Purdue Extension and was the Delaware County 4-H youth agent until his retirement in 2011.  Rich was active in the Extension program serving in various capacities at the county, district, and regional levels.  He loved working with the FFA and 4-H youth and working at the county and state fairs.  He enjoyed starting the chick embryo program for the elementary schools and helping the students learn about life and the rocketry, archery, and dog obedience programs, among others.  In 1991-92, he served as secretary for the South Muncie 5000th Kiwanis. Rich was a DIY person as he and Marilyn did many projects together.  He enjoyed woodworking and made small tables, doll swings, and dollhouses for his nieces and a toy barn and a train set for his son.  With his welding skills, he made a stair step plant stands and other wrought iron items. He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn and son Neil, Columbus, OH; his sister, Carolyn (Dennis) Buckbee, Lincoln, NE; and brother, Don (Kay) Chalupa, Columbus, OH; nieces Michaela (Jeff) Bohling, Lincoln, NE; Lauren Chalupa, Columbus, OH; and Allison Chalupa, St. Louis, MO; and nephew Jason (Anne) Buckbee, Soldotna, AK.  In addition, two uncles, Eldon Chalupa, Pinconning, MI; and Edwin (Shirley) Chalupa, Sargent NE; and many cousins survive him. An infant daughter, Jenna Irene; his parents and grandparents; and several aunts and uncles predecease him.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, 2018, at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Sargent, NE. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery of Sargent. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Sargent High School FFA, 400 N Fifth, Sargent, NE  68874.