Lawrence Henry Blahnik

Lawrence Henry Blahnik, 64, died at Grand View Care Center in Blair, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 28, 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Huntsville, Alabama on February 11, 1947 to Lawrence and Lorraine Blahnik. A graduate from Escanaba High School and Michigan Technological University (electrical engineering) and a member of the Coast Guard, he worked and lived in a variety of locations including Alaska, Iowa and Vermont before settling his family in Rapid River, MI. He married Deborah Lee Beeck in 1967 and had two children; Christian Nettel of Toivola, MI and Larry Blahnik of Fountain City, WI. He most recently resided in Fountain City, WI with his son and his family. While living there, he enjoyed dancing at the Senior Day Center, camping, hiking, bike riding (you really don't forget how to ride a bike), and attending his grandchildren's football, baseball, and basketball games. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and father-in-law. He is survived by his children, brother (Michael Blahnik of Texas), six grandchildren (Robbie, 18; Meagan, 16; Preston, 13; Tavian, 8; Jennie, 8; Mikayla, 7) and many nieces and nephews.Lawrence's passions included Boy Scouts of which he was an Eagle Scout and received the National Merit Award; Ham Radio (WA8 JWP), and model RC airplanes. He loved flying and earned his pilot's license and owned a Cesna until his health began to fail. He held a sincere interest in the early formation of Christianity, early Jewish culture and studied the Hebrew language. He was an active member of the Congregational Church in Rapid River where a celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:00.