Marcella A. Blahnik

Marcella A. Blahnik, 90, died January 23, 2015. Born February 20, 1924 to Dan and Rose Johnson, Marcella “Marcy” grew up in Duval, Wisconsin. During the Depression, her family owned a successful tavern, ballroom and trucking company which did not escape the attention of Baby Face Nelson. One night, the Nelson gang broke in and shot up the tavern sending Marcy and her family scurrying under their beds amidst a hail of bullets.

During WWII, Marcy worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” building boats in Sturgeon Bay. While cutting metal, a glowing piece of metal became lodged inside Marcy’s blouse and began searing her skin. Marcy’s line mates immediately ripped off her blouse and yanked off the sizzling steel. Marcy loved sharing these stories.

After the war, Marcy met and married Clarence W. Blahnik, a former cryptographer for Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Marcy and Clarence, who married on October 15, 1947, owned and operated a general store and gas station in Walhain, Wisconsin, where Marcy also owned a beauty shop. After selling their businesses in 1969, they moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

For 55 years until Clarence’s death in 2003, Marcy and Clarence did everything together. They loved nature and the outdoors including foraging for mushrooms, wild asparagus, and nuts. They gardened, fished, danced, played cards, and entertained family and friends. Marcy’s children always came first. The constants in Marcy’s life were family, church and the Packers.

Marcy is survived by her children, Rebecca (James) Naugler, La Crosse and son, John G. (Celia) Blahnik, Philadelphia, PA and one grandchild, John C. Blahnik, New Haven, CT; and two brothers Roy Johnson, Green Bay and Lloyd Johnson, The Villages, Florida.

Marcy is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary; one daughter, Barbara; husband, Clarence W. Blahnik; her parents; and three sisters and one brother.

Visitation Saturday, January 31, 2015, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral. Mass of Christian Burial 1:30 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. Tony Cirignani, OFM officiating. Malcore (East) Funeral Home is assisting the family, 432-5579. Entombment at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Blahnik-Naugler Help Fund within the Women’s Fund at the LaCrosse Community Foundation. The fund was established in 2003 to provide financial support for projects which support health, safety, and self-sufficiency, as well as enrichment opportunities for girls and women. Donations can be made at 401 Main St., Ste. 205 La Crosse, WI 54601, or lacrosscommfound@centurytel.net .