Stephen A. Krupnik, 67, of Mishawaka passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022. Stephen was born to the late Casimir “Casey” and Josephine (Speziale) Krupnik in South Bend, IN on January 1, 1955.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Velma Krupnik; stepdaughter, Amanda “Mandy” (Justin) Klopsch; one grandchild, due later this year; sisters, Paula Santa and Barbara Goldman as well as many extended family members and beloved friends.

Stephen attended Washington High School. As a young filling station mechanic, he met Keith “Red” Kaser, who brought Steve in as a partner in a used car lot on Lincolnway. Together they decided to open a pawn shop next to the car lot called Red’s Pawn Shop in South Bend. Steve ran the pawnshop from its start in 1982. He built it into one of the largest in Indiana. Steve was instrumental in forming the Indiana Pawnbrokers Association (IPA) in 1990. Changes in state laws and guidance by the IPA helped pawnshops evolve into a more mainstream element of the local financial services industry. Mr. Krupnik authored books on responsible pawnbroking, developed a pawnbroker advisor program and communicated with thousands of pawnbrokers throughout the world. He was awarded the prestigious Pawnbroker of the Year award in 1999 by the National Pawnbrokers Association. He enjoyed helping people “quietly” and mentored many in the industry. In 2021 he received the Ron Stempkowski Lifetime Achievement Award at the Midwest Pawnbrokers Convention. After retiring from pawnbroking, he transitioned into voice-over acting and production.

Stephen, much like his stature, lived life large. He always treated the things he enjoyed with a passion that led him on many adventures and to wonderful people. Stephen was an award-winning demolition derby driver as well as an accomplished cook. As a food and wine connoisseur, he spent time with many renowned chefs helping to develop those skills. Stephen was also a patron of the arts with a deep appreciation for Blues music, sponsoring local music events and musicians. He was a sponsor of the former Michiana Blues Society and regularly presented the “Ole Harv” blues appreciation award at the Ribs and Blues festivals that were held at St. Pats Park. Steve was an accomplished ballroom dancer. He loved to dance with his wife Velma at Dan O’Day’s Dance Studio and with “the 100 club”. The family would like to thank David Jewell, Kathy Eash, Brian Walker, and Nurse Ron (Center for Hospice) for their support in times of need. Thanks also to Dr. Rafat Ansari and to Dr. Tran for outstanding care.

Visitation with friends and family will be on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 6-8pm in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Celebration of Life service will be held during the 10am to 12pm visitation on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donation be made to the St. Louis Center, 16195 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118, or to the Salvation Army, 900 W. Western Avenue, South Bend, IN 46601.

03/28/2022 JFC