Henry Joseph Blecha was born into the Munden community July 3, 1915, the son of August and Christina (Horak) Blecha. For his entire life he lived within 5 miles of where he was born and was an active member of St. George Catholic Church in Munden. He went to see his Lord on January 15, 2014, after a short illness, at the age of 98 years, 6 months and 10 days.
Henry attended Munden School all 12 years and graduated in 1935 as valedictorian. He married his life partner Mildred Zach on November 8, 1941. Into this union four children were born.
Henry spent his life farming and had a grade A dairy nearly 30 years. The last 30 years, he and Mildred were owner-operators of Evergreen Acres Campground.
He filled his life with volunteer activities such as being community leader of Liberty Rose Creek 4-H over 50 years and also being woodworking leader. He was a member of Liberty township board for many years, treasurer for the Munden Alumni Association and member and officer of Catholic Workman.
For recreation, Henry enjoyed being a woodworking craftsman and grandfather clock maker. His clocks are all over the U.S. He and Mildred drove many miles to dance to the big bands and later they were regular square dancers. They took bus tours to several areas of the U.S. and especially enjoyed returning to Branson to see Danny O'Donnell, Henry's favorite performer.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Elizabeth Kuhlman, his brother Charles Blecha, and his daughter Rita (Blecha) Sulzen. To mourn his passing he leaves his wife Mildred of the home; daughter Janice Keeley and husband Mark of Tahlequah, OK; Son Donald Blecha and wife Margaret of Valley Center, KS; Son Kelvin Blecha and wife Marcia of Chester, NE; and son-in-law Richard Sulzen of Shawnee, KS; 9 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Ten AM, Monday, January 20, 2014, St. George's Catholic Church, Munden, Kansas, conducted by, Father Brian Lager.
Vigil/Rosary service will be held 6 PM Sunday at Bachelor-Surber Chapel, Belleville, KS.
Interment will be in St. George's Catholic Cemetery, rural Munden, KS.
Memorials may be given to St. George's Catholic Church or St. George's Catholic Cemetery fund.
Friends may call Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday from 1 PM to 9 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.
Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com