Obituary of Susan Hamre-Nietupski

Susan "Sue" Hamre-Nietupski, 63, of Iowa City, Iowa died on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Sue's infectious smile and love for people will be missed, but not soon forgotten. At the age of five, she was quoted in the Janesville Gazette as saying she wanted to help others when she "grew up," a prognostication she fulfilled and then some. After graduating from high school in Janesville, Sue received her bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and remained a lifelong Badger fan. She went on to a career as a professor of special education at the University of Northern Iowa and, most recently, the University of Iowa. With a specific focus on early childhood development, she received numerous awards and recognition for her service to the field of special education, most notably when she and her husband, John, were honored as ARC of Iowa and ARC of the United States Educators of the Year. Later in life she was active with the "Voices of Experience" choir and social committee, along with volunteer activities helping persons of need through The Center and St Mark's Church in Iowa City. Her ability to be there as an ear to bend or shoulder to cry on for countless friends lasted all the way through her final days. Second to her love of helping people was her love of travel. Sue, her late husband John and their son Chris loved spending time on the shores of Door County, traveling to see their beloved Badgers play, and exploring Europe together. Sue was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Nietupski of Iowa City; her parents, Wilmar and Mary (Stanke) Hamre; and grandparents, aunts and uncles, all of Janesville, Wisconsin. She is survived by her son, Chris Nietupski of Minneapolis, Minnesota, countless loving members of the Hamre, Stanke, Nietupski and Biggerstaff families, ever-loving group of friends all over the world and, of course, her cat, Gabby. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday, January 21, 2014, concluding with a "Chardonnay Toast" at 7 pm all at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to support the John Nietupski Memorial Fund, established at the time of John's death in 2008 to help persons with disabilities. Additional services and burial will take place later in the week in Janesville, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.