Charles W. "Chuck" Blaha, 88

Charles W. "Chuck" Blaha, age 88 of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side, on Friday, February 7, 2025, at St. Gertrude's Care Center in Shakopee.  Chuck was born on December 4, 1936, in Cedar Lake Township, Scott County, Minnesota, to Frank J. and Albina (Krejci) Blaha.  He graduated from New Prague High School and then was drafted into the US Army, serving in Germany, where he did Morse coding.  Before going into the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Alice Lambrecht, on August 17, 1957, at St. Benedict Catholic Church.  They made their home in New Prague, raising their family and Chuck spent his career working as a machinist for Stampings of Minnesota in Lakeville.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

 In his earlier years, Chuck enjoyed playing softball with town leagues.  An avid bowler at the West End Lanes, he had a reputation as being "pretty doggone good"!  He introduced his family to the beauty of the north country through annual trips up north, instilling in them a love of Minnesota's northern woods and lakes.  He loved nothing more than fishing in his boat.  After retirement, he became a woodworking crafter out of his basement and a home project expert, helping his daughters with wood shelves and other unique projects.  He was a perfect example of "If all else fails, read the instructions" and "measure five times and cut once".  His family enjoyed many trips to Menards to complete his projects.  He enjoyed old-time music and feeding birds and squirrels.  A quiet man, he was also extremely patient and left a legacy of kindness that will be missed by his family and all who knew him.

 Chuck is survived by his wife of 67 years, Alice; daughters, Vonnie (Pat) Simon of New Prague and Brenda Blaha of Excelsior; grandsons, Cory (Carla) Simon and Andy (Ashley) Simon; great-grandchildren, Leonard, Josie, Francine, Wrenley, and Hugh.  He is preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Cervenka and Gladys Douda.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 7:30-9:30.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Lunch will follow at the Legion Clubroom.  

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