STEPHEN A. BLAHUNKA WHITING, IN Stephen Anthony Blahunka, 84, of Whiting passed away Sunday, February 24, 2013 at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. He is survived by his beloved wife of 15 years, Jeannette "Jean" Stefanich Blahunka (nee Lopacki); loving father of Steve (Jo) Blahunka of Pinehurst, ID, Jeff Blahunka of St. John and Ted (Debbie) Blahunka of Hebron; cherished grandfather of Garrett Blahunka of Whiting, Arlyn (David) Eaglebarger of New Haven, IN, Vincent (Meg) Blahunka of Hebron, Paul Blahunka of Indianapolis and Laura Blahunka of Schererville; dearest brother of Alfred (Mary) Blahunka of Highland; dear step-father of Dorothy Hart of Whiting, Sandy (Jerry) Kreevich of Schererville, Joseph (Linda) Stefanich of Griffith and Thomas (Anita) Stefanich of Schererville; dear step-grandpa of Christina Hart of California and Patti (Benjamin) Francis of Whiting; fond brother-in-law of Arlene Blahunka of Highland, Edward (Wilma) Skopiec of Griffith, Matthew Skopiec of Holland, MI and Dorothy (Raymond) Hojnicky of Hammond; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sophie A. (Szkopiec) Blahunka on January 22, 1994; grandson, Shane Blahunka; and brother, Ted Blahunka. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. at St. Adalbert Church, Whiting with the Rev. Kevin M. Scalf, C.PP.S., officiating. Entombment, Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. Visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Parish wake service at the funeral home Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Steve Blahunka was born on January 31, 1929 in Whiting, Indiana to Stephen J. and Apollonia (Fasiang) Blahunka and was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community. He was a member of St. Adalbert Church, Whiting, and the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath 81. Steve was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School, Class of 1942, George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1946 and attended Purdue University Calumet, studying Architectural Technology. He was a former brickmason supervisor for BMPIV Local #6. As a brickmason apprentice in 1951, he was a contestant in the Indiana Apprentice Contest at the Indiana State Fair. He was an employee of the JM Foster Co. of Gary with a service of 20 years and was the City of Whiting Water Commissioner with a service of six years. Steve enjoyed all sports, fishing, creating stained glass designs, woodworking, traveling and gardening. Following his retirement, he spent many hours researching and documenting ten generations of his family history and heritage. Steve was known for his sense of humor and his ability to tell a great joke. He loved people and made many friends at the St. Catherine Hospital Cardio Rehab program and at his second home, Poppen's Auto Service, Whiting, where he spent many hours since 1935. Devoted to his family, Steve will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Danville, PA or to the Whiting Fire Dept. would be appreciated. www.baranfh.com (219) 659-4400.
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Jeanie,
Mike and I were deeply saddened to hear about Steve's passing. You and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Mike Pappas
February 27, 2013
Jeff,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
NAncy and Mike Pappas
February 27, 2013
Jeff,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on the loss of your dad. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Mike Pappas
February 27, 2013
Steve, Jeff & Ted,
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jim Pint
February 26, 2013
Sorry about your loss, deepest sympathy to the Blahunka family. From a former neighbor.
Kathy Tkach Jorkon
February 26, 2013
To the Blahunka Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Bonnie Ubik
February 26, 2013
My sincere condolences to all Stephen's family and friends. I had the pleasure of working for Steve for several years and he always was quick to smile and could tell stories as well as anyone.He even shared his recipe for Spaghetti with Velvetta(his spelling)cheese which I'm going to make soon.
Former employee
February 26, 2013
Jeff, my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Terry Demeter
February 26, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Mike Irvine
February 26, 2013
My heartfelt sympathies to Jeanie and the entire family for their loss.
Rose Szablewski
February 26, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
The Parishioners of St. Adalbert Church
February 26, 2013
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