Anthony Blazek

March 25, 1973 ~ October 31, 2021
Anthony "Tony" Blazek, age 48, of Lawler, Iowa died Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. (although we would have told Tony 10:00 so he’d be on time) Friday, November 5, 2021, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, IA with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with Jon Smith, Tom Smith, Patrick Smith, Jeremy Reicks, Chris Jirak, and Jeff Clancy serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Blazek, Gene Blazek, and Donald Blazek Jr.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. Parish Scripture Service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.
Tony was born on March 25, 1973, to Michael "Mickey" and Sherri (Barnett) Blazek in New Hampton, and he grew up on a farm just north of Lawler with his two older sisters - Kristy and Kathleen.
He attended Turkey Valley schools, where he played football as a hard-hitting linebacker and was a member of the Class of 1991, and after graduating, he attended college for a short time and worked several jobs, but for most of his life, he worked in military equipment sales. He traveled extensively around the globe, and he had firsthand knowledge of scores of airports throughout the world.
Tony worked hard so that he could provide for his family. He leaves behind three beautiful children - Destiny, Anthony, and Liam. He had recently become engaged to Supriya Jha, and Tony was so excited for the birth of their daughter this coming March.
As much as he worked and as far as he traveled, Tony was most at home here in Iowa. He loved working on cars, a love that he shared with his father, and Tony beautifully restored numerous cars. Some of his favorites included an '81 Corvette, a '63 Chevrolet Impala, and a '31 Dodge.
Tony was an outstanding pool player and, more than once, he casually ran the table against one of his pool league opponents (you know who you are).
More than anything, he will be remembered by the family and friends who loved him as a "giver." Tony never complained about aches and pains; instead, he focused on being a dutiful son, a caring and nurturing father, and a loving fiance to Supriya. Tony would set alarms on his phone to remind himself, even in the middle of a busy workday, to call those that he loved. It may seem like a little thing, but it showed that Tony knew what was most important in his life. It wasn't his job, the sales he made, or even the cars he worked on; it was loving the people most important to him.
Tony's compassion for all of God's creatures could be seen by the love he had for his (Princess) Leah, the black German Shepherd he cared for after a terrible accident. Anyone else would have said there was no way to deal with Leah’s injuries, but Tony just could not put her down and instead, gave her a wonderful, rewarding life.
His passing is such a shock. He spent the last full day of his life enjoying a beautiful day with Supriya and his boys in Decorah, and, like always, he was so full of life and vigor.
As his family gathers to bid farewell to this loving, giving, young-at-heart man, they know that today, he is probably under the hood of a car with Mickey while keeping a watchful, helpful eye on those he left behind.
Tony is survived by his mother, Sherri Blazek of New Hampton; his fiancé, Supriya Jha of Lawler; his two sons, Anthony and Liam of Lawler; his daughter, Destiny of Denver, Colorado; his daughter who will be born in March; two sisters, Kristy (Blazek) Hopes of Mason City, and Kathleen (Kevin) Bonthius of Edina, Minnesota; his nieces, Andrea, Michaela, Rebecca, Emma, and Alexandra; many loving cousins, aunts and uncles and Amanda (Prideaux) Blazek (Destiny, Anthony and Liam’s mother).
He was preceded in death by his father, Mickey.
So sorry. My heart goes out to the Blazek family.
So very sorry to hear this. Many prayers to the Blazek family💔
Please keep Tony’s family in your prayers💕🙏😔
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the Blazek family.
Thinking of the family. So sorry to hear this.
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss.
Shari and family.. I’m so very sorry to hear this.. just heartbreaking.
Man!! Such a nice guy! Rest easy Tony! My prayers to the family! ♥️🙏🏼
Sending prayers for the entire Blazek Family!
So sorry to hear
My sympathy to the family.
Prayers and hugs for the Family.
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. He was such a funny and sweet man.
I’m so very sorry to hear this news. I recently ran into Tony and had a fun little conversation. So glad I was able to share a few laughs with him. This is just heartbreaking.
So sorry for your loss….I haven’t talked to Tony for a long time but he was such a great guy.
Thinking of the family!
So sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to his entire family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Hugs and sympathy to the family.
So sorry! Sympathy to family and friends.🙏🏻🙏🏻
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to his family.
So sorry for your loss
Thoughts & Prayers to the family. 🙏
Prayers and hugs to the family
So very sorry for your loss, prayers and hugs to the family
I’m so sorry Sherri, prayers for you and your entire family!
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for the Blazek family!
Shari and Blazek family: I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He was such a gentle and kind man. Deepest condolences to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy to the family
Tony was such a pleasant young man-he will be missed. Sympathy to Sherry and Tony’s family. May he Rest In Peace 🙏
My deepest sympathy to Sherrie, Kristy, Kate and the family.
Our deepest sympathies to Tony’s children and family. Tony made a difference during his life. He will be greatly missed by Family, Friends and Community.
Deepest sympathy to the family. 🙏🙏🙏
So sorry for the familys loss thoughts and prayers to the family
So sorry for your loss! Prayers to the family!
Very sorry for your loss! Keeping Tony’s entire family in prayer 🙏
Heartbreaking. Sending love to his family and dear friends. So very hard.
So sorry for your loss, prayers 🙏
Sympathy and prayers to the family. May he rest in peace.
Absolutely devastating! 😔 prayers of healing to his family 🙏
Tony was a person that everyone knew, he was always concerned with how you were doing, he listened, he made you laugh, and he was genuine in caring about everyone. I never knew a time when I came home and didn’t run into Tony somewhere in Lawler, and I will miss our catching up conversations with our parting pats on the shoulder. He will be missed. Condolences to Denise and his family. God took a good man home, and without a doubt we will see him again someday.
Sorry for the family’s loss, Sending prayers for the family 🙏
Sincere condolences, to the Blazek Family. Thoughts and prayers to all. R.I.P. Tony.
My most sincere prayers and condolences to all family and friends!! Tony was ALWAYS A smile in the room with a warm greeting and story to share!! Keep his memories close in days to come…. he was such an upbeat guy and would want his memory honored with the savvy he carried!!! Rest easy Tony!!! 🙏❤🙏❤
I have lost a dear friend. Tony will be in my thoughts always. I share your family’s grief, just know he touched hearts everywhere he went, an old sole with a quick wit and love for all! “May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face. May the rains fall upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”
So sorry for your loss
Sherri and Tony’s family: I am saddened to read this, my deepest sympathy to all of you. I can see Tony at Mass with his family and he interacted so kindly and pleasant with his boys, he was proud of these young men. Carry on Tony’s kindness.
May the memories of your loved one console you today. Our prayers to his family. Jeanne and David Roder
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Blazek family.
My deepest sympathy. 💔
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Tony’s death – he was truly one-of-a-kind. Back in the day we had a great time biking from town to town. Tony always could evoke a laugh from folks to brighten their day. His personality was so unique – oftentimes one could not tell if he was serious or pulling your leg, but he was always willing to cheer anyone up. Rest in Peace Tony, lots of folks will miss your smile and your kind-hearted demeanor. Blessings to your family / Jim & Roxy Franzen
I’m so, so sorry. Our prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. Tony was such a kind, caring, respectful guy, who had a great love for his family. We will cherish the times we shared with you. 🍀
Sympathies sent to all of Tony’s family. 🙏🏻
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tony and the Blazek family. We will miss him terribly.
Sorry for your loss!
Deepest sympathy to Tony’s family and close friends.
My condolences to the Blazek Family, Tony was a Great guy and I enjoyed our phone conversations..he will be missed May God Rest his Soul Raffi Pilavjian
Our deepest sympathies to the Blazek family. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Sorry for your loss, Prayers for the family!!!!🙏🏼
Sending Prayers to the Family🙏🙏🙏
You will be forever missed and never forgotten, Tony. I love you my Brother. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family.
Shari, and family, so sorry for your loss! I had the opportunity to work with Tony a few years back! Such a goof 🙂 and so much fun to work with! That guy could sell paperclip for a profit! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones! Hold onto those memories, because he lives on through your heart!
You are in our thoughts. Tony was and always will be a cherished and beloved member of the ISO Group family. Our heartfelt condolences, ISO Group
Classmate, cousin and a true friend. Many memories growing up with you. Being a groomsmen in our Wedding to the many conversations we have had over the years. You always had my back and forever grateful to have you in my life. God Bless you!! Love ya man!! Until we meet again…
With our sincerest love. John & Teri Yoder
How can this be? Sherri and I were hospital roommates when Tony and Brian were born, so I can say I knew him forever! We always had a good visit when our paths crossed, Tony’s smile was the greatest! What a beautiful soul, he will be missed terribly but thinking of him brings a smile to my face….memories…may they help you through your grief….
As you grieve know that we are praying for you…
Deepest sympathy to the Blazek family. Thoughts and prayers for all.
Our sympathy to Sherrie & the entire family 🙏🏻
Tony, salute to you large heartedness and larger than life spirit. May your soul Rest In Peace. Amen.
To the entire Blazek family, with special hugs for Kate and Laura: Wishing you all peace and healing. Love; Laura McKibbin and Bob Ball.
So sad… thoughts and prayers to the family
Amanda, Destiny, Liam, and Anthony , Thinking of you during these difficult times . My prayers are with you and all the Blazek family.
Sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. He was a kind & loving father. And fun to drink a beer with. Condolences to Liam, Adam & Destiny for the loss of your Dad. He loved you! And condolences to Amanda, this loss must be devastating to you as well. 18 years together whether happy/sad is at part of being family. So sorry for the hurt the loss of Tony for the entire Blazek family. Let us love one another as our Father loved us. In peace, Dr. Noel K. Nicolai Washington State
In 2014, my band and I were on our first national tour across the US. We were all young, 17 and 18 years old. We were driving a POS 2001 Dodge 3500 van, the best we could afford, and playing small shows in basements that we worked hard to book ourselves, to anyone that would have us. A few weeks into the tour, our van completely broke down in the middle of nowhere, Iowa. Coming from Buffalo, New York, we were a long way from home with no money. We got stuck at a Triple J truck stop for 5 days with no hope on getting out of the situation. Tony, through a mutual friend (I believe a connection through his job) was contacted about our situation knowing he lived not far from where we were stranded. Having never met us in his life, Tony dropped everything and drove several hours to meet us at this truck stop and see how he could help. We were very young and were in way over our heads with the logistics of the situation.. Tony stepped right in without hesitation. He directed the shady mechanics at the truck stop to have our van towed to the neared Dodge dealership in Lincoln (over 2 hours away). We all then piled in his car, and drove all the way to the dealership. By the time us & the van got there, the dealership was closed for the evening. Tony then bought us our OWN hotel room for the night to get rest, took us out to an incredible dinner (the first real meal we’d eaten in days) and was incredibly hospitable the entire evening. In the morning, We went over to the dealership and learned that the ECM in our van was busted and the repair would be upwards of $3000 (which we had none). Tony immediately threw down his card and said “don’t worry about it. We’ll figure it out”. After the repair was finished, we pulled into a gas station and Tony then FILLED our gas tank on his dime. We all said our thanks and parted ways. We never saw Tony again, and the question of repayment never came up. We were very saddened to hear of his passing. Tony was a blip in our lives but quite literally changed my life forever, I learned extremely valuable lessons of empathy, doing good for others for NO other reason besides it is the RIGHT thing to do.. Tony showed extreme character in this experience and I & my musical career will forever be indebted to him for his incredible acts of kindness. In reading his Obituary it seemed this character was consistent with the rest of his life, which affirms a lot. Thank you Tony for everything you did for us, may you Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers to all of Tony’s loved ones. -Head North
Tony what a big loss , a nice man helped many people we shared a passion for cars , he was talking to me about the flood that hits the farm and what happened to his cars . He was blessed with 2 lovely boys , I never met Tony in person however we shared thoughts and ideas. Strange how life is ? I am going to pray for him and his lovely kids. May God helps us all. My deepest condolences to all who knew Tony. DR Diaa Ali , from Egypt , Alexandria