Blanche Halupnick

Blanche Helen Halupnick, 101, of Traer, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Adel Acres Care Facility in Adel, Iowa, under the care of Hospice of the Midwest.

She was born on June 5, 1923, on her family farm in Toledo, Iowa, to Jerry and Helen (Kalinay) Rohach. Following high school, Blanche earned her Normal Training certificate in 1941 and began her teaching career at Otter Creek #8, where she taught until 1943. On May 17, 1943, Blanche was united in marriage to Milo R. Halupnick at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Garwin, Iowa. He preceded her in death on December 6, 2007. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish, rural Clutier. After retirement, she became a member of St. Paul Parish, Traer. She was involved in the rosary societies of both parishes. Blanche was Milo’s farmhand, helping with field work and livestock, as well as planting a large garden. She canned and froze multiple vegetables, fruits and meats. Blanche was a willing volunteer for many years at the Traer Nursing Home assisting residents playing BINGO.

Blanche enjoyed fishing with her cane pole, playing Pepper weekly in Vining and Clutier, watching her children and grandchildren play sports and other activities and following the Iowa State Cyclones. She and Milo belonged to the Cedar Valley Polka Club, and attended many polka festivals in Iowa, Minnesota and Arizona. She was the best at dancing the polka hop but was exceptional at any and all Czech music dancing. Blanche was well known by relatives for taking home movies at any and all events. The bright lightbulb she used brought a lot of squinting and “complaining”! She also enjoyed playing coins at a casino. Win or lose, she anticipated the thrill of the experience.

Another of Blanche’s enjoyable activities was making kolaches and noodles for family celebrations and reunions. All relatives always looked forward to seeing Blanche carry in the results of her labor.

She is survived by her four children: Micheal (Barbara) Halupnick, of Panora; Dennis (Debra) Halupnick, of Norwalk; Teresa (Thomas) Schaefer, of Panora; and Jack (Janice) Halupnick, of Traer; one sister, Verna Ottenheimer, of California; and one brother, Alfred Rohach, of Mount Vernon, as well as 13 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Blanche was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and three brothers.

Rosary will be held at 3:30 pm, prior to visitation at the church.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St, Traer, Iowa.

Services will be Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:30 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer, Iowa.