Francis Gilbert Blahnik

Mr. Francis (Frank, Fritz) Gilbert Blahnik died peacefully on 14 February 2015 at the age of 83.  Francis was born in Kewanee, WI on 13 January 1932, settling in Maryland in 1955 after serving in the Army.

Francis is survived by his wife of 61-years Delores Hopfensperger Blahnik of Laurel, MD; their children Wanda Blahnik Conrad of Winston-Salem, NC (her husband Gary and daughters Karin and Susan, their spouses and children); Lori Ann Blahnik of Laurel, MD; Kathy Blahnik Tavares of Beltsville, MD (her husband Antonio and sons Daniel, Philip, and Samuel); Robert Francis Blahnik of Sykesville, MD (his wife Sherine and her children); and Joan Blahnik Quintana Lerch of Mt. Airy, MD (her friend Mark and her son Anthony, his spouse and child). Francis is preceded in death by his parents and relatives in Wisconsin and his son-in-law William Lerch and grandson Eric Lerch of Mt. Airy, MD.

Francis was a graduate of Hilbert High School in Wisconsin. He began a 37-year federal service career by serving in the Army Security Agency, which included being stationed in Korea during the Korean War. He continued defending his nation as a federal employee of the National Security Agency beginning in 1955 and included two tours in Germany. While working and raising a family. Francis earned an Associate's Degree in Business from Montgomery Community College.

Francis was a diehard Green Bay Packer fan, a passion he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He loved to cook, and in retirement took culinary classes at Prince George's Community College. Also in retirement, he continued his career in the protection of others by serving as a security officer at the Tower Federal Credit Union in Laurel. He loved his wife, was proud of his five children, and adored his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Francis was a member of St. Nicholas Parish in Laurel, MD, and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Elks Club in Laurel.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Chapel of the Donaldson Funeral Home, 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, February 20, 2015 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 8603 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20708 beginning at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be held at a later date in Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Frank’s name to; The Erik Lerch Foundation, C/O CFCC, 255 Clifton Blvd., Suite 313, Westminster, MD 21157 or St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 8603 Contee Road, Laurel, MD 20708 or to the charity of your choice.