Rudolph Albert Blecha

Rudolph Albert Blecha was born April 8, 1917 at Munden, Kansas, to Frank and Anna (Shimanek) Blecha, and died Monday, August 30, 2010, at the Jewell County Hospital Long term Care, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 93 years, 4 months, and 23 days.

Rudolph was baptized into the Catholic Church, and was confirmed into the Catholic faith on June 30, 1929, at St. Edwards Catholic Church, Belleville, Kansas by Bishop Tief. He attended School District No. 16, in Republic County, Kansas. Rudolph graduated the 8th grade and started farming, because an illness struck his father. He farmed for over 60 years. He married Viola Popelka on April 3, 1940. To this union, they adopted one daughter, Connie.

Rudolph was a devoted Catholic. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Workman. He enjoyed family and many trips to visit family over the years. He lived most of his life in the Munden area, but five years in Belleville, and eleven years in Mankato, be closer to Connie and her family.

Rudolph was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Connie and husband Michael Waite of Mankato, Kansas; seven grandchildren – Jennifer and Matt Grennan of Broomfield, Colorado, Jarad and Jennifer Waite of Abilene, Kansas, Carrie and Jason Reece of LaCrosse, Kansas, and Dustin Waite of Broomfield, Colorado; six great-grandchildren – Zach, Isaac, and Hannah Grennan of Broomfield, Colorado, Grant and Annastyn Waite of Abilene, Kansas, and Rylan Reece of LaCrosse, Kansas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for Rudolph A. Blecha was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 4, 2010, at St. Georges Catholic Church, Munden, Kansas, with Father Joe Popelka, and Father George Chalbhagam officiating. The lector was Melvin Brown. Mrs. Marcia Chopp was the organist, and Mrs Rosemany Wehkamp was the song leader. The hymns were "Be Not Afraid," "Amazing Grace", "I Am The Bread Of Life", and "On Eagle's Wings". Casket bearers were: Dustin Waite, Jarad Waite, Matt Grennan, Charles Popelka, Zach Grennan, and Isaac Grennan. Interment was in the St. Georges Catholic Cemetery, Munden, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to St. Georges Catholic Cemetery or Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care Equipment fund. Vigil service and Knights of Columbus Rosary service was 7:00 .m.Friday, September 3, 2010, at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation was Thursdy, 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. until vigil time on Friday at the Mortuary. Melby Mortuary, 402 N. High Street, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.