Dora J. Blaha
Dora Jean Blaha, 91, of Independence, died peacefully, Monday, December 16, 2024, at Dove Healthcare Assisted Living in Osseo, under the care of St. Croix Hospice.
Dora Jean was born in rural Eleva, December 6, 1933, to Vernal and Leora (Burnett) Lokken. After graduating from high school, she briefly ventured to Utah and worked as a CNA upon her return to Wisconsin. Dora Jean was united in marriage to Jerome Blaha at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence, November 28, 1953. Though she was raised Lutheran, Dora Jean converted to Catholicism and embraced the religion and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish. Dora Jean became a pillar of the church, serving with the PCCW, volunteering at school and church functions, reciting the Rosary and singing for hundreds of Masses at church. She was honored to sing when asked to cantor for weddings, funerals, baptisms and weekend masses, and rarely turned anyone down for families who requested her. For many years, Dora Jean worked at the church rectory, assisting priests with the day-to-day. Dora Jean also served on many county level boards, including Trempealeau County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center board, Senior Services Advisory Council, Long-Term Care Council, Unified Board (51.42) Committee, Human Services Board, Health & Human Services Board, Transportation Coordination Committee and The Red Hat Society.
In addition to working outside of the home, Jerry and Dora Jean owned and operated their family farm in rural Independence, instilling an honest, hard-work ethic into their children. Dora Jean adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was proud of each and every one of them. Her life devoted to faith, family and service to the community will be held in treasure by those who love her.
Dora Jean is survived by her children: Michael (Julie) Blaha and David (Linda) Blaha both of Whitehall, and Debra (Dennis) Bork of Independence; grandchildren: Mitchell (Tina) Blaha, Jeri Olson, Michelle Brevitz, Joshua (friend, Terri) Blaha, Jacob (Stephanie) Blaha, Cody (Tori) Blaha, Jared Blaha, and Kayley (Matthew) Wenzel; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; daughter-in-law, Kelly Smith-Blaha; sisters: Janice (Dean) Nimmo, Judy (Robert) Pederson, Margie Pickos, and Becky Finnessy; brothers: Stanley Lokken and Fred (Joyce) Lokken; brother-in-law, Don Heath; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry in 2008; son, Mark; grandson, Jonathan; sisters: Shirley (Walter) DeVore and Angie Heath; and brother, Lyle (Gladys) Lokken.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Father George Thayikuzhitottu officiated. Family and friends were welcomed for visitation beginning, at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and also one hour prior to the mass on Monday. Burial was in the church cemetery.
To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.
