Theodore Frank Blahnik

1942 - 2019

Theodore Frank Blahnik obituary, 1942-2019, Vancouver, Wa

BORN

1942

DIED

2019

Theodore Blahnik Obituary


THEODORE FRANK BLAHNIK
November 29, 1942 - September
20, 2019

Theodore ”Ted” F. Blahnik, passed away in Vancouver, WA, at the age of 76. Ted was born in Appleton, WI, to the late John and Mildred (Eiting) Blahnik.
Ted was a graduate of Kaukauna (WI) High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force, including two tours in Vietnam. Ted had a successful and lengthy aviation career including; Air Wisconsin, Horizon Airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration, where he worked until his retirement.
Ted is remembered with love by his wife of 45 years, Kathleen; daughters, Kimberly Blahnik and Nicole Blahnik; his sisters, Ellen (Bob) Propson, Angela Duda, Joan O’Malley and Jean (Terry) French and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Virgil Vande Burgt; brother, Chuck Blahnik, and niece, Gail Luther.
A funeral mass will be held on October 18, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Vancouver, WA.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Sep. 29, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Blahnik

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Still miss you. Love you forever brother.

Joan Blahnik O'Malley

September 19, 2021

Joseph Nagan

October 14, 2019

I met Ted somewhere around 1970 when I was still a Senior at Kaukauna High School. Ted bought George's Auto Body on Highway double 'O' in Kaukauna and I started working there part time for him and eventually went on full time. He was also a Pilot at Air Wisconsin at that time. What I always admired of Ted right from the start, was his steady demeanor, respect for others, and his self-discipline, which obviously came from his flight training. 'Everything' had a checklist!

I learned a lot from Ted and really enjoyed painting Corvettes back then. I bought my first Corvette from Ted. It was his very own red 1973 LT-1 and it only had a very few choice miles. Ted of course, bought a new another new one. Somewhere around the mid 70's Ted took a job in San Antonio at new start-up commuter airline called 'Tejas' Airlines. Shortly after Ted and Kathy moved there I went there as well, and worked with him at Tejas.

I reserved an apartment on Blanco Road in San Antonio but it was not done when I moved there so Ted & Kathy let me live with them until it was ready. I remember on some Sundays we would make hand-made ice-cream at their home. I'm not sure on the exact date of her birth, but I remember Kimberly as very young Baby. I can still see the the proud smile on Ted's face! (I have not yet met Nicole)

A few years later Ted and I both took a job in Portland Oregon, at Executive Air. Ted and I drove up the West coast together and Kathy stayed behind to sell their home. Ted had his white Corvette and I had my Silverado pickup truck and away we went for another adventure! Ted and Kathy settled in Washington but I came back to Kaukauna.

Over the many years since then, Ted occasionally stopped by my office here in Kaukauna just to say 'hi'. He visited a group of his car buddies that he grew up with including our mutual late friend Dave Lindemuth. I could tell Ted was struggling just a bit when he visited me here at my office for the last time on July 17th 2012. The attached picture of me and Ted was the last time I saw or talked with him. Kathy continued to send me Christmas card updates of the Family and most recently, updates on Ted's health.
His Sister Joan called me about Ted's passing.

I can only imagine the sheer number of people who can also remember Ted with similar affection and with fond memories. Ted represented the very best of people and brought 'out' the best in all those he encountered. Always a smile or a warm hand shake and as in our last encounter; even a 'thumbs-up'!
I am looking forward to eventually meeting up again with Kathy, Kimberly & Nicole.
Joe Nagan - Kaukauna Wisconsin

Joe Nagan

Friend

October 14, 2019

To the Blahnik Family: My condolence
and sympathy for the loss of your Ted.

I was hired by Ted at Horizon Sept. 1984 and enjoyed working for him
for many years. His treatment of
the pilot group was in a fair manner.
The image he set was of a calm,
quiet, professional leader.
Through his hiring of so many pilots,
got their start in the airlines.

Thank you Ted, you are missed...

Dave Brisbane

October 6, 2019

To Ellen and the Blahnik Family: I remember Ted from the early 60s when he helped my Mom and Dad on the family farm in Kaukauna, WI. He was a wonderful quiet man and a great worker. Condolences to all on your loss. Elaine Ven Rooy, Appleton, WI and Naples, FL

September 30, 2019

To the Blahnik family
We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
I worked with Ted at Air Wisconsin and he was
one of the best. He will be missed by all who
knew him.

Stan & Patt Ellis

September 30, 2019

Ted was a long time friend to my mom and step-dad, Susie and Eddie. He would visit our family often while we lived in California. Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories. Sending our sincere condolences.

Robin Neuens-Sanders

September 30, 2019

Brother you will always be "bmoc" to me. I will love you and miss you for the rest of my days.

Joan

September 29, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May your treasured memories of Theodore always fill your heart with love and peace

September 29, 2019

I remember Ted from Air Wisonsin I'd only been working there for a short time when Ted introduced himself. I made a new friend instanty and realized we were from the same town . I also remember Jean she and I were in class together at KHS, I a Freshman and Jean a senior, I hope you remember me because you made a big impact on me ! Denniis!

Dennis Lange

September 29, 2019

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Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Vancouver, WA

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