Daniel Vincent Stupka

     Daniel Vincent Stupka died Saturday, September 8, in Asheville, NC of complications from dementia. He leaves his beloved wife of 33 years, Sydney Wilson and their family: Allison Stupka and husband Harry Fried of Ann Arbor, MI, Brian Wilson and wife Doreen Matters of Hillsborough, NC, Rob Wilson and wife Marla Annen of Rogers, AK, Amy Stupka and husband John Dzubay of Bloomington, IN, Andrea Burks and husband Adam Burks of Traverse City, MI, Jenny McPherson and husband Greg McPherson of Sylva, NC; and eight grandchildren: Bailey, Juliana, Mischa, Ivy, Silas, Zinnia, Lachlan and Lily. He will also be missed by friends and family in Chicago (Karl and Karla), Traverse City, Asheville, and Salida, CO. 
     Dan was born to Mary and Vincent Stupka in Chicago in 1934. He attended Beaubian and Prussing grade schools and Steinmetz High School. Dan played basketball for Michigan Tech (1952/53) and Northern Michigan University (1954/56). During summers he worked as a seasonal ranger on Isle Royale. He was stationed in California and Hawaii in the Marines Corps from 1956-58 and in the reserves until 1964. Dan received his Masters in Education from Michigan State University and taught chemistry and earth science at Traverse City Central from 1966 until 1982. He then operated an energy efficiency consulting business in western North Carolina, where he worked with private and municipal utilities and manufacturers. Dan became a glass artist after retiring. He enjoyed hiking, geology, skiing, biking and time with friends and family. 
     A Celebration of Life will be held at 4pm, Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Givens Highland Farms in the Assembly Room. There will be parking available outside of the Assembly Room. A private family service will be held at a later date.

     Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army at 204 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

     Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Stupka Family.

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