Richard Krupka of Traverse City, age 89, passed away Wednesday February 21,2024. He was born September 13, 1934 to Francis and Elinor (Novak) Krupka in Oak Park, IL. While growing up he spent summers at Little Traverse Lake. He attended Riverside/Brookfield schools until the family moved to Traverse City, where he graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1952. He then went to Michigan State University where he graduated with honors in 1956. While there he earned a varsity letter in basketball and was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity.

Richard honorably served in the U.S. Navy 1956-1958 where he helped establish the first closed circuit television station for the 6th fleet. He served abroad on the USS Saratoga.

After discharge he worked for radio and television stations in Midland and Traverse City. He established the news department for Les Biederman's radio station and appeared on Channel 7's newscasts. He was the first person hired for WIAA and watched the construction of the new station. He was an early employee of WLDR. He then joined the State of Michigan Department of Social Services retiring after 30 years.

On December 29, 1960 he married Galen (Brown) Krupka at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Flint. They have two children, Charles (Christina) Krupka and Patricia (Robert) Curry. And have four grandchildren: Andrew Krupka, Anna (Nathan) Holt, Laura Curry and Robert Curry. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David, and his sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Krupka and Susan Brown Hayward.

Richard loved the outdoors, camping and watching sports. He held memberships in the Kiwanis Club, the local MSU Alumni Club, the Leland Jaycees, Central United Methodist church, the Traverse City Lions Club and was a Life Member of the Traverse City Elks Club.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will take place at Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home at 3pm on May 3, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan.