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John "Jack" Blaha
John "Jack" Blaha
Amana
In the early morning hours on July 13, 2022, John “Jack” Blaha, 91, walked through Heaven’s gate, surveyed beautiful green pastured and was finally home.
Born Oct. 27, 1930, to Joe and Alta Anna (Heddleston) Blaha at their family farm in Iowa City. He was one of eight children. As a young boy, he fell in love with farming; as a teenager, he fell in love with the pretty neighbor girl down the road. On Oct. 29, 1952, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Sue Cochran. In those early years of their marriage, Jack proudly served two years in the U.S. Army and he and Marilyn began their family. In 1958, they bought what has been lovingly referred to by family as “The Farm.” It has been a family gathering place since that time and holds many precious memories for Jack’s family. He was proud of “The Farm” and the memories he and Marilyn created there. It is easy to imagine Jack sitting alongside God’s green pastures enjoying the view with a cup of coffee in his hands.
Those who left this earth before Jack include his parents, the love his life, Marilyn, in January 1993; a grandson, Vance Burkhart; son-in-law, Ron Pugh; brothers, Joey Blaha and Billy Blaha; sisters, Helen Walcott, Shirley Evans and Judy Fountain; his second wife, Ann.
He is survived by his children, Charlotte Pugh, Teresa (Kirk) Douglas, John (Deb) Blaha, Marjean (Rick) Burkhart and Marlon (Lori) Blaha; grandchildren, Kevin, Amber, Kristin, Todd, Brandi, Eric, Elizabeth, Tia, Jason, Kyle, Troy, Tyler, Mackenzie, Trey and Kobie; and 28 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bonnie Evans and Alta Smith;
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, with burial with military honors to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.
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