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Richard E. Blahnik

WELLS — Richard E. Blahnik, 99, of Wells, passed away Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 at UP Health Systems in Marquette.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1920 in Carney, Mich., son of Joseph and Anna (Cherney) Blahnik. Richard attended Jasper School from 1926 to 1934 and graduated in 1939 from Harris High School.

On Sept. 11, 1943, Richard was united in marriage to Frances Margetta at St Peter & Paul Church in Dauby, Wis.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Wells. Richard also was an usher, senior mass server and eucharistic minister.

Richard owned a dairy farm from 1940 to 1969 and was the Gourley Township clerk until 1969. Earlier he worked at the Holiday Bowl, was a bus driver for Powers Spalding School, worked at the Frigo Cheese Factory, and retired from Mead Paper as a fire watchman and gate guard.

He enjoyed playing baseball, going bowling, doing crossword puzzles, and hunting and fishing. Richard liked growing flowers for everyone to enjoy.

Survivors include his children, Kenneth (Barb) Blahnik of Carney, Mich., MaryLu (Matt) Gaudette of Gladstone, Mich., Theresa Kolich, Thomas Blahnik, and Peggy (Don) Clark, all of Escanaba, Mich.; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; son, Joseph; son-in-law, Tony Kolich; brothers, Peter, Paul, Andrew, Edward, Antone, James and Otto Blahnik; and sister, Emily Krause.

Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Church in Wells with Rev. Rick Courier officiating.

Burial will take place at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

When attending services, face masks and social distancing are required.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting the website crawfordfuneralhomes.net.