William Blahna

William Raymond ""Bill"" Blahna, 77, Kensal, North Dakota, died Monday, November 1, 2004 at Hi-Acres Manor, Jamestown, North Dakota.

Mr. Blahna was born June 19, 1927 in Kensal, the son of Leonard and Elizabeth (Rebischke) Blahna. Midwife for his birth was his Aunt, Blanche (Blahna) Walker. He was baptized in the home of his maternal grandparents in Little Falls, MN. He graduated from Kensal High School in 1945. He married Irene C. Mettler on January 11, 1949 in Moorhead, MN. They lived and farmed on the Blahna Family Farm in Foster County, Kensal, North Dakota. For many years, he owned and operated a gun shop, ""Blahna Sales"", on the farm. After his retirement he worked for Blue Stem out of Bismarck doing fish surveys in North Dakota.

He was a McKinnon Township Supervisor for over 30 years, secretary of the Wildlife Federation for 12 years, lifetime member of the NRA, secretary for the Fire Department and served on the Election Board for many years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2337. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Kensal.

His greatest pleasures were spending time with his family and the holidays. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and politics. One of his many talents was the family tradition of processing and smoking his own meat.

Bill is survived by his wife, Irene; two sons, Bill Blahna, Fargo and Jim (Lori) Blahna, Kensal; five daughters, Jackie (Steve) Blahna-Becker, Minot; Betty Blahna, Madison, WI; Suzanne (Rod) Mathwich, Prescott, WI; Christie (Ric) Herman, Moorhead, MN; Cindy (Donnie) Colvin, Ft. Payne, AL; sister Mary (Mrs. George) Poppen, Wyndmere, ND; brother, John (Phyllis) Blahna, Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren, Rick and Matt Storhaug, Madison, WI, Shauna (Jeremy) Lisberg, Fargo, ND; Erin Blahna-Mathwich, Prescott, WI; Josh and Jeremiah Blahna, Kensal; Heather Reed, Kensal; Sheri (Brad) Phillips Fyffe, AL; Rhys, Justin and Blaine Herman, Moorhead, MN; Eric and Ali Colvin, Ft. Payne, AL; great-grandchildren, Logan Blahna-Mathwich, Prescott, WI; Hailey Blahna, Fargo, ND; Danielle Phillips, Fyffe, AL; Uncle John Rebischke, Little Falls, MN; Aunts, Carmen (Rebischke) Kratz, Van Nuys, CA and Blanche (Price) Blahna, Jamestown; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Michael in infancy and Kenny; three brothers, Lyle, Aldon & Gaylord; two sisters, Pearl (Mrs. Harold) Shorey and Geraldine (Mrs. Lloyd) Motzko.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, November 5, 2004 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Kensal, North Dakota with Pastor Bob Leise officiating and family and graveside service with Pastor Vicki Taylor.

Visitation: 1:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 4, 2004 at the Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Burial: Kensal Cemetery, Kensal, North Dakota.