James "Jim" R. Blahnik

James 'Jim' R. Blahnik, 76, Algoma, passed away April 24, 2016 after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1939 to Victor and Loretta (Ray) Blahnik in Kodan on the home farm. Jim attended the Kodan one-room schoolhouse and graduated from the Algoma High School in 1957 where he participated in football and FFA, receiving the highest degree 'The American Farmer' in 1958. He attended the University of Wisconsin Short Course in 1958. Jim took over the family farm in 1972, but farmed from 1957-1981, then cash cropped thru 1990.Jim was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard from 1957-1962 and served one year of active duty during the Berlin Crisis as a cook. Jim married his lovely wife Blanche Ver Boort on May 15, 1965 in West DePere.Jim had numerous achievements and held many offices for organizations including; Kewaunee County Farm Bureau Rural Youth, Kewaunee County Farm Bureau President, Delegate to the National DHIA, President and representative on ARC Co-op DHIA, Director for the Guernsey Committee of Badger Breeders Co-op, Board of Directors for the Manitowoc Co-op and Lakeshore Federation Co-op. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer of Kewaunee County in 1974. Jim was a Sales Manager for Casco FS Co-op from 1982 to 2001. While at Casco FS he received the Wisconsin Sales Manager of the Year Award twice. Jim was a member of AmVets Post 42, Algoma. Member of St. Mary Catholic Church where he served on the church council, communion distributor, usher and adult server.Jim retired at 62 and then he drove a tour bus for Lamers Bus Company for 10 years.Jim's fourth 'occupation' was a volunteer driver for Kewaunee County Elderly Services.His joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren achieve their goals.Jim is survived by his wife Blanche, son Dean (Terri) Blahnik, Algoma; daughter Amy (Kevin) Brauer, DePere; five grandchildren Alexandria Blahnik (Ryan Smith), Zachary Blahnik, Kennedy Blahnik, Bobbi Blahnik, Nickolas Brauer; one brother Thomas Blahnik, Sturgeon Bay; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John (Rosemary) Ver Boort, DePere; David (Lori) Ver Boort, DePere; William (Debra) Ver Boort, CA; Susan (Stan Diment) Savage, FL; and Timothy (Cheryl) McDaniel, Portland, OR. Jim was preceded in death by son Ricky, daughter Laurie, parents, in-laws Robert (Josephine) Ver Boort, Barb McDaniel, Joseph Ver Boort and Arlene Blahnik.Friends may gather at the SCHINDERLE FUNERAL HOME, Algoma, from 3 PM - 8 PM Friday, April 29, 2016 the visitation will end with a Prayer Service at 8 PM. There will be a Veterans Service at 6 PM. Saturday viewing from 9:30AM, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Algoma, with Rev. Ron Colombo and Deacon Chuck Agnew officiating. Burial in the church cemetery with full military rites.

Visitation

Friday, April 29, 2016 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Schinderle Funeral Home
1600 Schinderle Ln Algoma 54201, United States

Visitation

Saturday, April 30, 2016 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church
118 Church Street Algoma 54201, United States

Service

Saturday, April 30, 2016 11:00 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church
118 Church Street Algoma 54201, United States

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