John E. Blizil

John (Jack) Blizil died January 4, 2023, at his home in Baxter, MN. He was born to Edward and Helen (Puncochar) Blizil in July 1941, in Monticello, MN. Jack, as he was called then, attended Buffalo High School and St. Cloud State University, graduating with a degree in Physical Education with a Business minor. He married Nancy (Barnett) Blizil in 1968 in Hill City, MN. As a testament to their adventurous spirits, they relocated to Alaska to teach. Also, after returning to MN, they built Blackduck Lanes which they owned and operated for 21 years. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching sports, Texas Hold'Em and imagining and telling tall tales.

John is survived by Nancy, his wife of nearly 55 years; son Brian (Erica) Blizil of Holly Springs, NC; daughter Gayle Blizil of New Hope, MN; and his sister Frances Kelly of South Haven, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Tom Kelly.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Buffalo, MN. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.