Blake Lorenz Bochnicek

When people think of Blake Bochnicek, the first thing that comes to mind are his many unique vehicles! The limo, the Deuce and a half, and the Yugo, a Russian sidecar motorcycle, were some of the most memorable from his collection. Or maybe when Blake comes to mind, it’s his keen sense of style. He wore what made him comfortable, whether it was his Duck Dynasty beard, the Ushanka fur trapper hat, black t-shirts, a vest, cargo shorts, or combat boots. Olivia has inherited her dad’s sense of style!

Blake was a lot of things to many people; a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a brother, a soldier, a DAV volunteer, and a mechanic. He was generous with his time and had a passion for helping his friends in Ukraine by sending medicine for the children. When Blake could barely walk, he started taking apart the radio, vacuum, and even an old television, just to see how it worked. He enjoyed putting it back together again just as much. His passion for learning how to repair things carried into his adult years as

Blake repurposed used parts and Jerry-rigged anything he could get his hands on.

From a young age he learned to fish in Niobrara along the Missouri River with his dad. He gave his mom a gray hair or two through the years but he would do

anything for her. He was her travel buddy and fix-it man!

He loved his cats whom he rescued, giving them shelter in his garage! Blake also had a love of dogs and his favorites were Buster, Max, Zenya, and Jerry. Tricia shares her dad’s love for animals.

Lydia and Blake met while he was stationed in South Korea with the United States Army. She shared his adventurous spirit and their favorite saying was “on the road again.” The two were married in Korea on October 22, 2009. They enjoyed traveling to Bohol, Philippines so Blake could meet Lydia’s family. The midwestern Nebraska boy failed at climbing a coconut tree, but enjoyed hiking the mountains where Blake came across a tarsier. Of course, he wanted to bring it home with them!

Blake and Lydia welcomed their twins, Tricia and Olivia on September 19, 2013. In his short time with his daughters, he taught them to be brave and courageous. He lived by the saying, “You really start living when you stop asking for permission and let your mind take you places.” He hoped one day his girls would follow in his footsteps, living as boldly as he did.

Blake was an eccentric, yet competent adventurer who used his skills to create many vehicles. He found fame on Tik Tok with his ultralight paraglider, spending hours flying above the clouds. Blake enjoyed making videos that made people smile. He truly found joy and contentment high in the sky.

Blake lived a full life in a short period of time, but has left his legacy with the family and his friends he leaves behind. He is survived by his wife Lydia, daughters, Tricia and Olivia, his mom, Patti, his dad, Leroy, brothers Matthew (Mary) and Mitchell, the Gumanit family in the Philippines, countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Remember, “On the other side of every cloud is a blue and faultless sky. I feel most like myself when I’m in the clouds. The sky is not the limit, your mind is.” ~unknown~