Obituary of Stephen J. Blagec, Sr.
Stephen J. Blagec Sr. was born in Dearborn, Michigan on February 25, 1929. He was the son of Valentine and Anna (Gradijan) Blagec. Steve, as he was commonly known, took employment as a driver at a very young age. This led to a career of sixty years behind the wheel with the Alger Trucking Company, later retiring from Nawatzke Truck & Trailer. He married the love of his life, the former Kay Jean Herrington on May 17, 1986.
As a lover of the great outdoors, Steve never missed an opportunity to participate in deer hunting in Northern Michigan. Countless hours were enjoyed at deer camp with various friend and family members. He also looked forward to annual salmon fishing at the Sawdust Hole River at Tippy Dam, Michigan. He also looked forward to annual salmon fishing with various friends and family members. Steve was quite the handyman and he liked tinkering with cars, to get them back in order. Cars were not the only thing he worked on and in fact, he seemed to have a gift to fix just about EVERYTHING.
Above anything, Steve loved his family and every moment he spent with them. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He looked forward to hosting the annual family canning party. This event was such a big deal, Uncle Jim once purchased white lab coats for the adults to wear while they tended their canning stations. This shindig was known to be an all-day affair but on occasion it extended over a few days. The group would harvest the typical vegetables of tomatoes, green beans, and freezer corn. It was not uncommon for the adults to enjoy an adult beverage while they “worked”. He enjoyed cooking and made sure the kids and grandkids were well fed and knew how to cook as well.
Stephen J. Blagec, Sr., age 94 of Dundee, passed away on Friday; March 3, 2023, at his daughter Marlene’s home, surrounded by his family, while under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents; two daughters: Mary Ann Blagec and Kathleen Reynard; one grandson: William Brooks; and five siblings: Christine, Rudi, Anna, Theresa, and Nick.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of thirty-seven years: Kay Jean: a sister Mary Ann Evtushek of Nevadad; five children: Debra (Bill) Brooks of Florida, Stephanie Schmid of Florida, Scott Blagec (Lana Nabozny-Blagec) of Louisiana, Ginny Smith of Brooklyn, Michigan, and Marlene Fogarty of Dundee, Michigan; eight grandchildren: Cynthia Brooks of Florida, Megyn Schmid of Florida, Scott Blagec, II (Lauren Dupriest-Blagec) of Texas, Brett Blagec of Dundee, Marijo Fogarty of Virginia, Sarah Fogarty of Colorado, Christopher Reynard of Monroe, Michigan, Erin (Josh) Young of Aurora, Colorado; fourteen great grandchildren; a sister: Mary Ann Evtushek of Nevada; and several nieces and nephews.
His care had been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory; Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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