John Blaha Obituary

John Joseph Blaha Sr., age 85, died peacefully of natural causes on September 25, 2010 at the home of his daughter Karen in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. John was a long time resident of Naperville, Illinois. He moved to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin in 2005. John was born on January 25, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Josephine (Franc) Blaha. He had three older sisters and an older brother: Helen, Marie, Tony and Agnes. John was a 1944 graduate of Downers Grove High School. He enlisted in the USAAF, trained as a bombardier/navigator and served with the 15th Air Force, stationed at Castelluccio Field near Foggia, Italy. He later attended the University of Illinois on the G.I. Bill, studying pharmacy. John met Mary Ann Matesi while at the U. of I. They were married on July 1, 1947 at St. Anthony's Church in Joliet, Illinois. John and Mary Ann, both pharmacists, owned and operated Downers Grove Pharmacy together from 1949 to 1972. John continued to work as a pharmacist after the business was sold, retiring from Jewel-Osco in 1990. John worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He valued education, urged his children and grandchildren to remain in school and actively supported their pursuit of university degrees. John retained a lifelong interest in aviation. He obtained a civilian pilot license in the 1960's and encouraged his children to learn to fly. John enjoyed spending time with family at "the house on the hill". He liked tending to the property, mowing the large fields with his old Ford 8N tractor, cutting firewood and gardening. John also enjoyed a wide range of spectator sports, from professional football to watching his children and grandchildren in school sporting events. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. John is survived by his children: John Jr. and his wife Melanie, Karen, Robert and his wife Allison, Karl and Sharon and her husband Mark. He is also survived by his grandchildren Joshua Wiscons and his wife Topaz, Nicole Cameli, Dr. Alexandra Cameli, Amber Hernandez and her husband Marcos, Kirsten Matesi, Colby Blaha, Mariana Cameli and Anton Blaha. He is also survived by his great-grandson Marcos Gabriel Hernandez, his sister Agnes Getz and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his most beloved wife Mary Ann, his son Brian, his parents, his brother Tony and his sisters Helen and Marie. A private service for close family is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Fr. Tom Fratus Foundation, C/O Franciscan Outreach Association, 1645 W. LeMoyne, Chicago, IL 60622 which helps the homeless in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. John was strong and generous and devoted to his family. He will be missed.