Obit: Bloczynski, Leo J. (1923 – 2000)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bloczynski, Houd, Staszak, Riederer, Utter, Bere, Huber, Nordahl, Rush, Koxlien, Long, Schoolcraft, Olson, Jelinek, Miles, Quast, Hoff, Dunham

----Source: Staszak Family Memoirs Collection by Agnes Staszak Schanen

Bloczynski, Leo J. (16 June 1923 – August 28, 2000) With Flag

Leo J. Bloczynski, 77, of Black River Falls, died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, in Fairview Southdale Medical Center, Edina, MN.  He became ill while preparing to leave on a flight to Finland with his two sons.

He was born on June 16, 1923 in Black River Falls to Clara (Houd) and Leo Bloczynski, Sr.  He was a lifelong resident of the Black River Falls Area.  He was a World War II Army veteran and served overseas.  He was also a Purple Heart recipient.  He married Mary Staszak on June 15, 1946.

He was employed by Nelson Construction of Black River Falls, Radant Construction of Eau Claire, and Northern States Power.  In 1996, he and his brother-in-law, John Staszak, founded Jackson Pulp.  Following the death of John Staszak, he founded Bloczynski, Inc. the operation and ownership of which was later assumed by his sons, Leo “Junior” A. and Robert Bloczynski.  At the time of his death, he was involved with his sons in the operation of Bloczynski, Inc. and Bloczynski Logging, Inc.

He was also a member of the Miles-Hagen American Legion Post No. 200.

He loved his family and friends.  He was especially fond of deer hunting, fishing, antique-vintage cars, logging equipment, traveling and having breakfast and coffee with friends.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; a daughter, Linda (Daniel) Riederer, Darwin, MN; two sons, Leo “Junior” A. (Bonnie) and Robert (Debra) Bloczynski, both of Black River Falls; four grandchildren, Candy (Douglas) Utter, Chad (Amy), Cody and Dylan Bloczynski, all of Black River Falls; and a great-granddaughter, Jessica Bere.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Wendy and Ashlynn Bloczynski; and four brothers, Edwin, Clarence, Harvey and Virgil.

Funeral services for Leo J. Bloczynski were Friday, Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. from the Buswell Funeral Home.  The Rev. Tom Dunham officiated and burial was in Riverside Cemetery.

Honorary Casketbearers were Roger Huber, Tom Nordahl, Bob Rush, Don Koxlien, Jack Long, Harvey Schoolcraft, and Arvid “Ole” Olson.

Casketbearers were: Douglas, Donald and Dennis Jelinek, Wayne “Beaner” Miles, John Quast and Dale Hoff.

Friends called at the funeral home on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday one hour prior to services.

The family prefers memorials be given to the Black River Falls Fire Department and Rescue Squad.