- Date Of Birth: November 7, 1934
- Date Of Death: September 4, 2021
- City: Columbus
- State: Nebraska
John Kenneth Blahak, 86, of East Palatka, passed from this life on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Oak View Rehab Center in Orange Park following an extended illness. Born in Columbus, Nebraska, to Herman and Annastacia Blahak, John graduated from Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus where he played football, baseball and ran track. John served honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and 3 tours of duty in the Vietnam War, retiring as a Sr. Master Sergeant following 26 years of dedicated service to his country. Following his time in the service, John returned to Putnam County in 1979 and began a 13- year career with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. He later served as Chief of Police with the town of Welaka. An avid Nebraska Cornhuskers and Florida Gators fan, John enjoyed watching sports and had a passion for fishing as well.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Andrew Quinton Blahak, and 4 siblings, Laverne Blahak, Rose Frerichs, Joe Blahak, and Dave Blahak.
John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley Blahak of East Palatka, his 4 children, Cynthia Boughner (Bryan) of Cooperstown, PA, Thomas Blahak of Keystone Heights, Cheryl Blahak of Palatka, and Creighton Blahak (Toni Lee) of St. Augustine, a brother, Herman Blahak, Jr. (Angela) of Abilene, TX, a sister, Teena Rawhouser of Columbus, NE, 5 grandchildren, Renee Stephens (Dan), Thomas Boughner, Shariston Snyder, Renita Comer and Rachel Ruark (Justin) and 5 great-grandchildren, Kanoa Stephens, Kanani Stephens, Kayleigh Snyder, Noah Edge, and Quinton Blahak.
