Mr. Donald Frank "Don" Blazek, 83, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at his home following an extended battle with cancer on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 4:40 pm. He was born on July 5, 1937 in Chicago and was the son of the late Frank and Millie (Brcka) Blazek. Surviving are his sons Curtis Blazek and Nicholas (Sanekia) Blazek, both of Charlotte, NC, brothers Buddy (Betty Gaye) Blazek of Tonopah, NV and Allan Blazek of Three Oaks, MI, his sister Lovey Wolnik of Three Oaks, MI and granddaughter Adeline Noelle Blazek, as well as a host of extended family and good friends.

In accordance with his wishes, Don's remains have been cremated and a Celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Don will be buried next to his son Danny in Buchanan, MI. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart has been assisting the family with arrangements.

Don worked for nearly 30 years at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, MI, served in honorably in the US Army in Germany and belonged to Elkhart Moose Lodge #599 and Buchanan American Legion Post #51. He was a prolific walker, logging miles and miles on a daily basis. Because of this, Don became a recognized, regular figure in the neighborhood and made many friends as he passed by on his daily treks. He also loved playing horseshoes, poker and cooking, often making delicious home-made "bohemian" style fare like potato dumplings and sauerkraut, but when he made spaghetti…..the sauce….it was all about the sauce. A combination of science and culinary art that would have made Paulie and Hank proud in the movie "Goodfellas".

Finally, Don was a devout Chicago Cubs fan and is one of the lucky few who will be able to go to Heaven knowing that his Cubbies, in his lifetime, defied all logic and won the World Series. "Hello again, everybody… it's a bee-yoo-tiful day for baseball!!!" (Harry Caray). Don's love of baseball led him to coach his little league teams.

Memorial donations made in Don's memory may be given to the American Cancer Society.  Thank you so much for your interest in Don's life story!