Richard J. Blaha

Richard J. Blaha, age 66 of Mankato, MN, formerly of Le Sueur, MN, died at Oaklawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato on Monday, December 16, 2019.  Celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Kolden Funeral Home in Le Sueur.  A prayer service will follow at 3:00 p.m. along with Military Honors burial afterward at Calvary Cemetery in Le Sueur.

Richard was born on September 24, 1953 to Raymond and Marion (Plonski) Blaha in New Prague, MN.   He grew up in Le Sueur and attended St. Anne’s School and Le Sueur High School. He entered the United States Army at a young age and was stationed in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska.  He married Mary Franke on Oct. 2, 1971, and the couple lived in Le Sueur after his time in the service.  His love of cars led him to work in the auto body industry where he became an expert at repairing and restoring cars.  He later worked for ADC Telecommunications in Shakopee, MN for several years before going to college at South Central College in Mankato where he excelled academically and received his Associates Degree in Auto Body and Collision Technology in 2014. He enjoyed his time with Grandkids as well as restoring classic cars. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Church of St. Anne.

He is survived by his wife Mary; Children, Jonathon (Kathryn) Blaha of Plymouth, MN and Jennifer (Phil) Kurth of Mankato, MN;  Grandchildren, Alexander & Ethan Blaha; Raxton, Keelan and Brienne Kurth; Siblings, Bonnie (Dan) Jochumsen of Houston, TX, Ramona (Mel) Lloyd of Cleveland, MN, Madonna (Tom) Lake of Eagan, MN, Roger Blaha of Mineral Springs, TX, Raymond Blaha of Detroit Lakes, MN, Ronald (Deb) Blaha of Euless, TX, Lisa (John) Sprague of Waterville, MN, Russel Blaha of Helotes, TX and Barbara (special friend, Cindy) Blaha of Jenison, MI; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.