Lawrence Blecka's Obituary
On Sunday, March 1st, Lawrence John Blecka, a loving husband and father passed away at the age of 75. Lawrence was born on September 19, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Antoinette Blecka. He was a graduate of St. Patrick’s High School. Lawrence received his bachelor’s degree from Lewis University and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. After earning his PhD in parasitology from Southern Illinois University, Lawrence taught at the University of Illinois School of Medicine, published a textbook in his discipline, and worked for various biotech companies throughout his career. On August 9,1969, Lawrence married his wife of over 50 years, Margaret Louise Hornyak. They raised two daughters Juliann Margaret (Leer) of Huntersville, North Carolina and Kathryn Marie Blecka of San Rafael, California.
Lawrence had a passion for living life to the fullest each day! He was known for being a social, compassionate, and loving man with an infectious smile. Lawrence loved to cook, and always had a new recipe to try out for Sunday family dinners. He loved his hometown of Chicago and especially attending the Bears football games. Lawrence enjoyed many years of boating with family on Lake Geneva. After retirement, Lawrence and Margaret moved to Davidson, North Carolina to be closer to their grandson and namesake Dylan Lawrence Leer. They have many cherished memories of attending Dylan’s sporting events, school activities, and family gatherings.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his father, John, and mother Anotinette. He is survived by his wife Margaret, two daughters Juliann and Kathryn, son in law Daniel Leer and grandson Dylan Leer, brother Gregory Blecka and sister in law Marie Blecka, sister Audrey Reardon and brother in law Richard Reardon, sister Debbie Czahor and brother in law Bill Czahor, sister in law Juleann Randles, brother in law Jack Randles, sister in law Mary Kay Hefty, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 A.M. on March 7, 2020, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Huntersville, NC, preceded by visitation at 10:00. A celebration of life gathering will be held in Chicago, IL at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation, or Blythe Elementary School science and literacy labs.
Arrangements by James Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC., www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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