Anthony James Blaha

1915-2001

Mr. Anthony James Blaha, 86, Oconto died Sunday morning, July 1, 2001 at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center, Oconto.  

Tony was born in Oconto on April 24, 1915 to John and Elizabeth (Bell) Blaha. He attended St. Peter Church and School and enlisted from 1931-35 in Company C 127th Infantry Nation Guard of Oconto. While in Oconto he was employed by Berth Transfer, and was in the 1695th Company CCC, Camp Mountain. He played baseball with the Frenchtown Frogs.
 

On February 7, 1939 he married Marian M. LeMere at St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Stiles. This past February, they celebrated their 62ndwedding anniversary. During World War II, Tony worked for A. O. Smith in Milwaukee helping to make torpedoes and bombs for the war effort. On August 13, 1945 he began working for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company and retired on August 13, 1977. They moved to Northeastern Wisconsin after retirement except for a period of time when he returned to Milwaukee to help care for his sister, Margaret, who had been injured in a car accident.
 
Tony enjoyed his family, stamp collecting, fishing, bowling, and playing the harmonica.
 
He is survived by his wife, Marian; four sons, Richard W. (Christine) and Thomas J. (Maggie) of Milwaukee; James A. (Becky) of Altoona, WI and Gerald J. (Judy) of Mishicot, WI; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Helen Blaha of West Allis and Ella Blaha of Milwaukee.
 
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Clarence, Robert, and John (George) and sisters, Margaret and Clara.
 
The family received relatives and friends at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at the corner of Park Avenue and Madison Street, Oconto from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 2. Parish Vigil Service 7 p.m. Mass of Resurrection was 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the Church. The Rev. Fr. David Ruby officiated. Interment at Oconto Catholic Cemetery. Ackerman Funeral Directors, Oconto cared for Tony and his family. Raymond B. Ackerman, Jr. Funeral Director.

Oconto County Reporter 
Thursday, July 5, 2001