Joseph Blaha

Joseph James Blaha, 95, our father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph G. and Marie Blaha; and his two sisters, Blanche Stein and Helen Cook. A 1945 graduate of Monroe High School, Joe lived in St Paul most of his life with 20 years spent in the Brainerd area during retirement. He was the father of seven children: Mary Fortney (Jon) of Arden Hills, MN, James J. Blaha of Grand Rapids, MN, Frank Blaha (Gail) of Gold River CA, Paul Blaha (Terri) of Bovey, MN, Susan Edberg (Jim) of West St Paul, MN, Joseph C. Blaha (Nancy) of Pine City MN, Dolly Hendricks (Dave) of Apple Valley, MN; along with their mother, Dolores Floering, also of St Paul. Joe was a plumber by trade for 38 years at Local 34 of the Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Joe spent many years as a Boy Scout leader with Troops 461 and 361 at Presentation Catholic Church in Maplewood. He won many leadership awards in this realm. Joe was an avid boater and was a member of the St Paul Yacht Club for a time. He was a lifelong woodcarver of some distinction winning ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair for his work. After retirement he expanded his art interests to include pottery and enjoyed a prolific output as a painter. Many of these works also were widely recognized winning several ribbons at the Crow Wing County Fair. Joe was a friend of Bill W. for 38 years. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Renee Scott, Frances Hedblom, James M. Blaha, Jonathan Fortney, Michael Blaha, Justin Fortney, Jesse Edberg, Jeanna Fortney, Cassandra Blaha, Elise Cripe, Christopher Edberg, Alex Blaha, Robert Blaha, Joshua Barsness, Aaron Blaha, Nicholas Barsness, Aiden Hendricks; and 21 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life and art will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 5:30 - 8:00 pm at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, 2750 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Eagan, MN 55121. Joe will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery on September 22, 2023, attended by family.