Obituary of William Blaha

William J. Blaha, age 74, of Alpine, NY died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, June 10, 2012 Born on December 13, 1937 in Montour Falls, NY, Bill was the son of Otto J. and Ella (Cudlin) Blaha. He grew up in Catharine, NY and attended Odessa Central School until his father's untimely death in 1955. Bill then took over the family farm and began a life-long career as a successful dairy farmer. In addition to farming, Bill worked at Westinghouse, Inc. during the 1950's and also drove a school bus for the Odessa school district in the early 1960's. Bill was a past member of the Czechoslovakian Society of America and a current member of the Montour Falls Moose Lodge #426. Bill was quite interested in local history. He enjoyed studying various maps and documents he had collected and he knew a good deal about early families and businesses in Catharine and surrounding areas. Those who knew and loved Bill will remember his knack for striking-up an interesting conversation with almost anyone he met. He was exceedingly generous with his time and his knowledge and despite work demands on the farm, would go out of his way to help anyone in need. Bill was a good father, a fine friend, a hard worker and a remarkable human being. Surviving Bill is his wife, Elise A (Turner) Blaha, Alpine, NY, whom he married on July 2, 1955. Surviving children include Brenda (Mike Hughes) Blaha, Burdett, NY, Jeff (Jodi) Blaha, Cayuta, NY, and Mark (Denice) Blaha, Odessa, NY. Other surviving family members include sister Darlene "Dolly" Stone, Savoy, Texas, nephew and farm co-operator Richard (Sue) Blaha, Odessa, NY, nephew Ron (Candi) Blaha, Wellsburg, NY, daughter-in-law Julie (Donnelly) Blaha, Odessa, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his father, Bill was predeceased by brother Larry Blaha, 1989, mother Ella Blaha, 1992, son Douglas Blaha, 2006 and brother-in-law Carl Stone, 2009. A memorial service for Bill will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Odessa Baptist Church, Maple Ave., Odessa, NY. A reception will immediately follow at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge, 2096 State Rt. 14, Montour Falls, NY. A private burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Catharine, NY will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Bill may be made to a charity of one's choice. Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Inc., Montour falls, NY is handling the arrangements. To send the family a condolence, please visit www.vedderandscottfuneralhome.com