Harold Frank Blecha

Harold F. Blecha, 92, a resident of Olympia for 50 years, died of natural causes at Panorama City Convalescent Center on July 21, 2012. Harold was born November 23, 1919, to Emil and Augusta (Christ) Blecha in Clarkson, Nebraska.

He spent his early years in farm work in the Midwest, then moved to Seattle, Washington, in 1940 and worked at the shipyards as a carpenter. Harold served in the Army Air Corps 131st Combat Engineers from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed in the Philippines during World War II and afterward in the Occupation of Japan, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

Harold married Marion J. Korth at Beacon Lutheran Church in Seattle on August 1, 1952. They moved to Olympia in 1962, where they raised their five children. They were members of Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Olympia for 50 years, where Harold served at various times as president and elder, worked on the stewardship board, managed the building renovation in 1981, and taught confirmation classes.

Harold worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation from 1957 to 1982. He was Real Estate Appraisal and Property Management Supervisor in the Land Management Division. He was a member and past President of the International Right of Way Association Chapter 4, Seattle.

Harold enjoyed numerous hobbies, including gardening, fishing, golfing, cooking, and grammar. He had a beautiful singing voice and a joyful spirit. Until the end of his life, he enjoyed singing, dancing, and entertaining his grandchildren at family gatherings.

He is missed by his wife of 60 years, Marion; five children, Margo Driver of Olympia, Laurie Peterson (Thomas Peterson) of Littleton, CO, Peter Blecha (Kate Race) of Seattle, Julie Blecha of Olympia, and Jennifer Blecha (Kerri Meyer) of St. Paul, MN; and eight grandchildren, Emmet Woods, Delaine Woods, Carl Peterson, Eric Peterson, Mark Peterson, Amy Driver, Benjamin Driver, and Samuel Driver. He was preceded in death by his parents and all seven sisters and brothers. Harold trusted completely in the Lord and entered eternity joyfully.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5-8pm on Wednesday 7/25 at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW, Tumwater. A memorial service will be held Friday 7/27 at Trinity Lutheran Church (21st & Franklin) at 1 pm, followed by a luncheon prepared by the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League).

The family suggests memorial donations be made to Lutheran World Relief.