William Edward Blaha Jr

Bill Blaha passed away peacefully at the age of 82 after an unfortunate cancer diagnosis. He brought laughter, love, charm, and optimism wherever he went and is survived by his loving wife Diane, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, and raised in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Bill developed a strong work ethic helping his father at the grocery store and meat market. It is also from his parents that Bill developed a love of people, and a knack for storytelling. He eventually settled in the Chicago area, where he spent his adult life working as a proud member of the IBEW, serving as a mutuel clerk at the horse race track.

Bill proudly served his country as an infantryman in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, earning two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Top Marksman award. Though his time in country was generally not fodder for storytelling, what he did share reminded us that a positive attitude and a strong family can get a person through even the roughest of times.

Though he was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bill found his greatest joy not in sports or stories, but in family. He didn’t just say family mattered - he showed it in every call, visit, and bushy-mustached kiss. He loved openly and proudly - with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips - and in return, he was deeply loved.

When he met his Diana-Banana, we thought it was a match made in Heaven. Thanks to the clever working of his cousin Karen, the two met on a blind date. Diane may have been nervous, but he charmed her into a second date. After nearly 15 years of marriage, the rest, as they say, was history. Diane brought light, love and purpose to his days.

Bill’s children - Dawn Coglianese, Tracey Eisemon (Rob), and Sam Mudro (Kristina) - feel most fortunate to have had Dad in their corner. Never angry - rarely even frustrated - Bill guided them to be confident individuals and loving partners and parents.

Billy’s siblings can all attest to his greatness - Kathy Jackiw, Maureen Blaha, Mike Blaha, Colleen Lane, and Kristy Blaha. To his six nieces and nephews - Vidhra Jackiw, Lauren Blaha, Matthew Lane, Bobby Lane, Claire Andrews and Andrew Lane - Uncle Billy was a source of laughter, pride and warmth. As cousin Denise so aptly put it, Uncle B could make you feel like you were a star. As he himself might put it, he made you “feel like a million bucks.”

He was a proud and very involved Papa to his grandchildren: Rachel Kearley (Matt), Mikaela Szekely (Nick), Hannah Hughes, Mia Coglianese, Soleil Contino, Sophia Mudro, Olivia Coglianese, Lyra Contino, Vanessa Mudro, and Piper Contino. His family joy multiplied with each new great-grandchild: William Kearley, Julian Jaiswal, Charlotte Kearley, Noah Szekely, and Mackenzie Szekely.

Bill will also be fondly remembered by his wife Diane’s daughters, Kim Martinez (Dave) and Valerie Gonzalez (Ubaldo), and their children - Andres, Nicholas and David - because in Papa’s world, there was always room for more love.

Speaking of love, we must mention the cousins! Though their last names may not be Blaha, they could not have been closer to Bill’s heart.

To know Bill was to love him - and if you knew him, you probably have at least one funny story to prove it. He made life warmer, brighter, a better place to be - just by getting up in the morning, donning his veterans cap, and dropping off his recycling. The many charities to which he donated are yet another testament to Bill’s belief in doing right in the world.

We like to think that he is up in heaven laughing and telling stories with his father, Bill Blaha, Sr., his mother Mary Jane (later Chmielewski, nee Morris), cousin Karen Gulotta and late brothers-in-law George Jackiw and Joe Morris.

A Visitation for William will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm located at Andrew J McGann & Sons Funeral Home, 10727 S Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60655.

A funeral service will occur Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 10:00 am followed by a procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery for a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities.