Spring Break
Hundreds celebrate Chaloupka's life at funeral
Amber Benson
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: News
Mike Chaloupka was remembered at his funeral Saturday for his sense of humor, adventurous spirit and work ethic.
More than 300 friends, family members and colleagues celebrated Chaloupka's life during services at CrossPointe Community Church with prayer, music and stories.
Chaloupka, who graduated with a degree in management computer systems and economics, died Sept. 9 after sustaining injuries when a car struck him while he crossed a street.
"Mike made a lot of connections because he was a guy who made a lot of friends," said Josh Bilhorn, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship area director. "I believe God has used Mike to bless us all in different ways."
Beth Hoffman, who knew Chaloupka through InterVarsity, said he had a cheerful demeanor.
"The man could bring a smile to the sourest face," Hoffman said.
InterVarsity staff member Bob Wolniak said Chaloupka was an incarnation of what it is to overcome difficulties, referring to Chaloupka's diagnosis of muscular dystrophy when he was a baby.
Chaloupka's sister Jenny said he was the best brother she could have had, and he touched a lot of lives.
"He was the most open person," she said. "You could talk to him about anything, and he could always make you laugh."
A video documenting Chaloupka's life just after he graduated high school was shown. At the time, he worked at his mother's arts and crafts store. Chaloupka talked about dealing with muscular dystrophy and his eagerness of attending UW-Whitewater.
Mara Andres, who met Chaloupka in InterVarsity, said her favorite memory of him was when they held a 24-hour prayer session outside Fischer Hall.
"Mike had an infectious smile," Andres said. "No matter what the hour, no matter what the weather, Mike could life others up in prayer."
Junior Matt Leon said Chaloupka was a patient person.
"It was one of the qualities people liked best about him," Leon said. "Mike was a fantastic role model not only for me but many, many others."
Graduate student Lawrence Brown said everyone he knows loved Chaloupka deeply, because he brought so much to their lives.
"Mike set a fine example on how to live life as a Christian," Brown said. "He was in touch with many organizations and was an awesome person."
Heather Pipes said Chaloupka was a funny and inspirational person, and Chaloupka's aunt said she thought he would grow up to be a comedian.
After the funeral service, a reception in the church involved dozens of conversations where people exchanged memories of Chaloupka.
More than 300 friends, family members and colleagues celebrated Chaloupka's life during services at CrossPointe Community Church with prayer, music and stories.
Chaloupka, who graduated with a degree in management computer systems and economics, died Sept. 9 after sustaining injuries when a car struck him while he crossed a street.
"Mike made a lot of connections because he was a guy who made a lot of friends," said Josh Bilhorn, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship area director. "I believe God has used Mike to bless us all in different ways."
Beth Hoffman, who knew Chaloupka through InterVarsity, said he had a cheerful demeanor.
"The man could bring a smile to the sourest face," Hoffman said.
InterVarsity staff member Bob Wolniak said Chaloupka was an incarnation of what it is to overcome difficulties, referring to Chaloupka's diagnosis of muscular dystrophy when he was a baby.
Chaloupka's sister Jenny said he was the best brother she could have had, and he touched a lot of lives.
"He was the most open person," she said. "You could talk to him about anything, and he could always make you laugh."
A video documenting Chaloupka's life just after he graduated high school was shown. At the time, he worked at his mother's arts and crafts store. Chaloupka talked about dealing with muscular dystrophy and his eagerness of attending UW-Whitewater.
Mara Andres, who met Chaloupka in InterVarsity, said her favorite memory of him was when they held a 24-hour prayer session outside Fischer Hall.
"Mike had an infectious smile," Andres said. "No matter what the hour, no matter what the weather, Mike could life others up in prayer."
Junior Matt Leon said Chaloupka was a patient person.
"It was one of the qualities people liked best about him," Leon said. "Mike was a fantastic role model not only for me but many, many others."
Graduate student Lawrence Brown said everyone he knows loved Chaloupka deeply, because he brought so much to their lives.
"Mike set a fine example on how to live life as a Christian," Brown said. "He was in touch with many organizations and was an awesome person."
Heather Pipes said Chaloupka was a funny and inspirational person, and Chaloupka's aunt said she thought he would grow up to be a comedian.
After the funeral service, a reception in the church involved dozens of conversations where people exchanged memories of Chaloupka.
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