William E. Blecha was born on October 22, 1920 in Forestburg, South Dakota to Albert and Anna (Kozak) Blecha. He passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Heartland Park in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 91 years, 8 months and 20 days.

William was the youngest of nine children and spent his younger days helping care for his family. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII and after being honorably discharged, he returned home to farm. He was united in marriage on November 6, 1949 to Lorna Buethe at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Elk Creek, Nebraska. They farmed near Pawnee City until moving to Cook, Nebraska in 1954. He took great pride in farming and raising cattle. Land conservation was important and he was able to reclaim some land in Johnson County that had been depleted. While farming, he also worked in the Campbell's Soup factory. After retiring, he and Lorna made their home in Syracuse.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator, polka dancing, playing cards and helping others. He took great pride in making sure his farm was always looking nice. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed striking up a conversation with anyone. He was awarded the Good Neighbor Award in 1998 from Aksarben and the Omaha World Herald.

He is survived by his Children: Rodney Blecha and wife Debra of Omaha, NE; Sharon Jensen and husband Ken of St. Libory, NE; Sue Scholz of Grand Island, NE. 7 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, Brother-in-law: Lester Penkava of Omaha, NE; Special Friend: Arlene Sedlak of Seward, NE. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife: Lorna (May 1997); Son-in-law: Leslie Scholz; 5 Sisters and 3 Brothers.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Coen officiating.
Visitation will be on Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.
Memorials may be directed to Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse or Grace Lutheran Church in Cook.
Interment will be in Park Hill Cemetery in Syracuse, NE.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441