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Rodney Blonien Obituary

A loving family man, philanthropist, dynamic human being and proud American Rod Blonien passed away suddenly on March 13th. Rod was born July 20th 1946 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Janet and Clayton Blonien. Rod was the oldest of four children and treasured being raised in a small town. Rod attended Brophy High School in Phoenix, the University of San Francisco, and Santa Clara Law School and exemplified the Jesuit motto by being a man for others. Rod married his beloved Noreen in 1967, they had four children Ryan, Jessica, Molly and Jarhett. Rod achieved the rank of Captain in the National Guard. Rod and Noreen made their home in Elk Grove since 1974. Rod served as Assistant Legal Affairs Secretary to Governor Ronald Reagan, Senior Assistant to Attorney General Deukmejian then Legislative Secretary to Governor Deukmejian and Under Secretary of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. As a representative of the People of California he worked to enact stringent sentences for criminal offenders who used guns, he implemented DUI checkpoints, and orchestrated the largest prison expansion in California history. After leaving government service, Rod worked as a lobbyist representing California horse racing, card club owners, and others. Rod was incredibly bright, articulate, and fun. He loved to joke around and would break out in song at the hint of a birthday party or other celebration. Rod gave great joy to his family; his wife Noreen; Ryan and Paula and their children Shane, Sydney, Cameron, Colton and Gianna; Jessica and Ronan O'Flaherty and their children Cormac, Nolan and Liam; Molly and Lois Bisbiglia and their children Ella, Brody and Grant; Jarhett and Ketrina; and his mother and father in law Norma and Pat Malone; and his siblings Jane and Scott. A rosary will be held at 6:30pm Thursday March 15 and a funeral mass Friday March 16th at 10:00am both at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament 1017 11th Street, Sacramento, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rod's name can be made to three of his favorite organizations Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home (www.bgmh.org), Jesuit High School Scholarship Endowment (www.jesuithighschool.org) and Project R.I.D.E. (www.projectride.org)

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Published by Sacramento Bee from Mar. 15 to Mar. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Blonien

Sponsored by R Jon Scott, Chico CA.

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Denise I. Griggs

March 9, 2022

Rod - you will never be forgotten. An amazing man!

Judy ONeal

March 9, 2020

Rod was always smiling always friendly, and very kind. He never seemed to have an elitist attitude where he certainly could have had. You were just a friend, no matter your station in life. I considered him my friend.

Jose de Jesus Lopez Madrigal

June 22, 2012

Rod was a good man I use to live in his ranch in Elk Grove he woul alwas make you feel good and he would never put you down my condolences go out to tha family as my heart as well he will always be mist

Jon Scott

April 5, 2012

I just found out about this. Rod was SUPER. A man who stood up for the little guy. I know. I am one of those "little guys"

Everytime I felt the flames Rod would crack a joke and and offer comfort, backed up with never ending advocacy. I miss him already

Mary Lee Heald

April 3, 2012

It was a brief time Jim and I shared with you both on our 20th, sailing the coast of S. America. We instantly loved you both and felt a kinship that is rare with such a short encounter. My heart is so sad.
Mary Lee & Jim Heald

Chris Stack

April 2, 2012

I knew few men as good as Rod, if any. For a time I was a law partner of Rod's and though being in New York I did not see him often, when I visited him in Sacramento he always made me feel welcomed. For a time I was a client of his & I always received sound counsel. I was always impressed how the State officials and staff revered him. He always spoke glowingly of his family and upon hearing about each of them there was little question why. Rod was a very generous person in so many ways. I am certainly a much better person for having known Rod. I cannot imagine how many lives he touched and few will really know or appreciate that. I am sorry that I only learned of Rod's passing today but he & his family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the Jesuit School scholarhip fund in his honor helps produce young men that grow to be half the person Rod Blonien was.

Barbara wiczbicki Piotrowski

March 31, 2012

My condolences to Rods family. I attended grade school with Rod back in Mosinee Wi. and spent many happy afternoons at the bowling alley that his family operated. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely, Barbara Wiczbicki Piotrowski

Gitti Kalkuhl

March 19, 2012

We were greatly saddened to learn of Rod's passing. He touched so many lives in significant ways through his kindness and incredible joie de vivre. He will be greatly missed by all those who came in contact with him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Always,
Gitti, Don and Family

Dottie Le Bas

March 18, 2012

I will miss you, you were a very special friend. Gone too soon, loved you very much.

Chris Martin

March 18, 2012

Rod was an exceptional man! I will never forget being around him as a kid. Rod and Noreen were our neighbors for many years. He was one of the "cool" dads. Big Niner Fan! The last time I saw him many years ago at one of his youngest son's baseball games, he was so excited because he just purchased one of Joe Montana's super bowl rings. What a great guy! our prayers go out to Noreen and the kids.

March 17, 2012

We were so shocked to hear of Rod's passing. Noreen, you and the entire family have our heartfelt sympathy. Rod was indeed a sweet and compassionate man and each time our paths crossed, I was always so drawn to his charm and love of family. He never failed to acknowledge me during our years in State service. Noreen, you might remember that Jessica worked briefly for me while at OCJP as a summer Intern and we all fell in love with her as well. You can surely be comforted by such a loving and dear family. Please know you are all in our prayers. Judy and Pat O'Neal

Patti & John Carbone

March 16, 2012

Our heartfelt condolences to Noreen and family for the sudden loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. We are so thankful our paths crossed again, if only for a brief moment, not long ago. He was a kind and generous man and he will be greatly missed. May the love of our Lord keep all of you in His embrace and comfort you during this very difficult time.

Rob Briggs

March 16, 2012

Bye, Rod. See you around.

Frank&Judy Tafoya

March 15, 2012

We have vivid memories of Rod & Noreen and their family, way back to our children's elementary school years. We were country neighbors, and Rod coached our kids. With his great heart and lofty principles, this compassionate man of faith made us feel so welcome in his presence. How blessed we are to have known him, and during the Deukmejian days, as well. Rest in peace, Rod. Our hearts are wrapped around Noreen and the family. Lovingly, Frank & Judy Tafoya

Pat Ostini

March 15, 2012

Noreen and family, my deepest sympathy. Rod was one of a kind. I will never forget his booming singing voice or his kindness to his friends. His memory will live on in his wonderful children and grandchildren.

Tina Littleton

March 15, 2012

Rod was a professional colleague and respected friend. Last Friday, he took time out of his busy schedule to attend my mother's funeral. I never had a chance to thank him for attending before I heard the sad news of his passing. My prayers go out to the Blonien family.

Scott Boyd

March 15, 2012

Noreen and family,
Rod was such an outgoing and fun person to be around. It was obvious to us while at USF that Rod would make a big impact with his life and he certainly did that. All of us as his friends at USF mourn his loss but celebrate the fact that he was in our lives for that special time of college.

Richard White

March 15, 2012

A wonderful man, a great friend, a joyous personality, Rod will be missed by so many. My deepest condolences to Noreen and her family.

Everyone at the Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home, where Rod was a very caring and generous donor, sends our sincerest condolences and we will keep Rod, Noreen and their family in our daily prayers.

Goodbye, dear friend, until we meet again.
Richard White

Denise Griggs

March 15, 2012

It was a pleasure working for Rod so many years ago. He was intelligent, caring, and a proud family man. As an avid Giant's fan, not once did he ever hold it against me or my family for being Oakland A's fans; often sending us to his games - with snacks! I will always remember his voice and spontaneous singing. Rest in Peace Rod.

Steve Carey

March 15, 2012

Rod was a great guy and good friend at USF. Our circle of friends had such a great USF experience partially due to Rod's humor and presence. All of his college buddies will miss him. Our condolences to the family.

March 15, 2012

Noreen and family; the sadness of losing Rod leaves us grasping for words.
Our prayers,thoughts, and condolences go to you, Rod and your family.
Knowing Rod was not just a privilege and an honor but a remarkable journey. His wit, humor, energy, intelligence and compassion will be missed, always.
Tom and Karen Andrade, Bend, Oregon

Jim Barbo

March 15, 2012

Our sincere condolences to Noreen and to the family.It has been our pleasure working with Rod for over 20 years in the Card Cub industry...we would not be where we are today if it were not for Rod."Thanks for the fun and the memories of true friendship"

Rod and ponies

Cate Murphy

March 15, 2012

Rod's passing will leave a gaping space in the universe. He expanded rooms with his amazing presence, and the legacy of his wonderful children and grandchildren is priceless. A rousing, mellifluous chorus Of "Tantum Ergo" to you, Rodney John. Love to Noreen and all of the family from Catherine Alice

Hugh (Jim) Maguire

March 15, 2012

My heart goes out to Noreen and the Family at your sudden and trajic loss. May the Love of God be with you all as you adjust to this tremendous loss.

Bruce Kaspari

March 15, 2012

I am totally in shock. Life is so precious and so fleeting. A great man is lost to us all.

Sean Brizendine

March 15, 2012

I am without words.

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