Dora Jean Blaha

Dora Jean Blaha, 91, of Independence, died peacefully on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Dove Healthcare Assisted Living in Osseo under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

Dora Jean was born in rural Eleva on December 6, 1933, to Vernal and Leora (Burnett) Lokken. After graduating from high school, she briefly ventured to Utah and worked as a CNA upon her return to Wisconsin. Dora Jean was united in marriage to Jerome Blaha at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence on November 28, 1953. Though she was raised Lutheran, Dora Jean converted to Catholicism and embraced the religion and Saints Peter and Paul Parish. Dora Jean became a pillar of the church, serving with the PCCW, volunteering at school and church functions, reciting the Rosary and singing for hundreds of Masses at church. She was honored to sing when asked to cantor for weddings, funerals, baptisms and weekend masses, and rarely turned anyone down for families who requested her. For many years, Dora Jean worked at the church rectory, assisting priests with the day to day. Dora Jean also served on many county level boards, including Trempealeau County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center board, Senior Services Advisory Council, Long-Term Care Council, Unified Board (51.42) Committee, Human Services Board, Health & Human Services Board, Transportation Coordination Committee and The Red Hat Society.

In addition to working outside of the home, Jerry and Dora Jean owned and operated their family farm in rural Independence- instilling an honest, hard-work ethic into their children. Dora Jean adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was proud of each and every one of them. Her life devoted to faith, family and service to the community will be held in treasure by those who love her.

Dora Jean is survived by her children: Michael (Julie) Blaha and David (Linda) Blaha both of Whitehall, and Debra (Dennis) Bork of Independence; grandchildren: Mitchell (Tina) Blaha, Jeri Olson, Michelle Brevitz, Joshua (friend, Terri) Blaha, Jacob (Stephanie) Blaha, Cody (Tori) Blaha, Jared Blaha, and Kayley (Matthew) Wenzel; 14 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; daughter-in-law: Kelly Smith-Blaha; sisters: Janice (Dean) Nimmo, Judy (Robert) Pederson, Margie Pickos, and Becky Finnessy; brothers: Stanley Lokken and Fred (Joyce) Lokken; brother-in-law: Don Heath; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry in 2008; son, Mark; grandson: Jonathan; sisters: Shirley (Walter) DeVore and Angie Heath; and brother: Lyle (Gladys) Lokken.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father George Thayikuzhitottu officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation beginning at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and also one hour prior to the mass on Monday. Burial will be in the church cemetery. To express condolences to her family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.

FOR LOCAL FLORAL ORDERS, PLEASE CALL LIBERTY FLORAL, INDEPENDENCE, AT (715) 985-3314.