Frank H. Blaha

Frank Blaha, 75, of Linn, KS, died Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Linn Community Nursing Home. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, at the Linn High School Gymnasium. Pastor Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Tim Halfhide played guitar and sang “Here I Am Lord”, and “Meet Me In Heaven”. The Congregation sang “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Josh Blaha, Cain Blaha, Chase Blaha, Jarod Blaha, Nicolas Blaha, Trenton Blaha, Brennen Blaha, Matthew Blaha, Wyatt VanDorn and Derek VanDorn. Burial was in the Linn City Cemetery. Frank was born August 4, 1934 near Glasco, KS, the son of Henry C. and Gladys C. (Ziegler) Blaha. He attended Kansas State University for one year before returning and helping his father farm for one year. He then attended Kansas Wesleyan University earning a bachelors degree and later went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Emporia State. On June 3, 1957 he married Beverly Bourne and the First Presbyterian Church in Delphos, KS. During the 1958-59 school year, Frank began teaching at Linn High School where he taught Business for 37 years and served as Vice Principal before retiring in 1995. During this time he also farmed in the Glasco/Simpson, Agenda and Haddam areas and continued farming after retirement. Some of his part time jobs included managing the swimming pool in Washington during 1959 and 1960, making deliveries for the Linn Creamery during the summer and Crop Hail Adjusting. He was a member of and served many organizations including; National Honor Society Advisor, President of the Board of Directors for 25 years (1976-2001) at the Linn Community Nursing Home where he was very instrumental in bringing the nursing home, assisted living cottages and Dr.’s office into the community of Linn. He also served on the Board of Directors at the Tri-County Bank, was active in the Linn Booster Club & chaired the Entertainment Committee. He was a member of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature and Linn United Methodist Church where he was a member and past president of the United Methodist Men’s Group. He also belonged to the Bohemian Lodge 203, was a Shrine Mason and was involved in raising funds for the Shriners Hospital. Frank sang at many events and was a member of the "Country Neighbors Band” which played free at many venues including nursing homes. He also donated much time and money to Christian events and traveled to different regions on Christian work mission trips. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Clarence Blaha. Survivors include his wife, Beverly of the home; four sons, Mike Blaha of Salina, KS, Mitchell Blaha of Manhattan, KS, Marshall Blaha and wife Staci of Platte City, MO, and Monte Blaha and wife Lisa of Centralia, KS; one sister, Mary Ann Bucklin and husband Tom of Glenview, IL; one sister-in-law, Donna Blaha of Salina, KS; thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The Frank Blaha Memorial Fund has been established and will be used for a Linn High School Scholarship, Linn United Methodist Church and other memorial funds as decided by the family. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank H. Blaha, please visit our flower store.