KEWANEE WEATHER

Obituaries

John M. Blachinsky

8/12/1947 - 3/22/2025

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Obituary For John M. Blachinsky

John M. Blachinsky, 77, of Kewanee, passed peacefully on Saturday, March 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born August 12, 1947, in Kewanee to Charles “Chick” Blachinsky and Elizabeth “Bette” O’Connor. He attended Visitation School and Kewanee High School, followed by Bemidji State University where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Parks. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served at NAS Miramar in San Diego with his family until 1973. He entered The John Marshall Law School and graduated in 1976. He then returned home to Kewanee to join his father in the family practice, Blachinsky Law Office, until 2015 when he “semi-retired” in joining the Barash & Everett law firm.

Kewanee was very important to him and serving his community was his passion. He served as the City Attorney for Kewanee and several local municipalities and as attorney for the Kewanee Park District, Henry County Housing Authority, and Kewanee Municipal Airport throughout his career. He was an active member in Kiwanis, serving as its President and supporting Key Club. His greatest support was for Kewanee High School, particularly its athletics. He was the girls’ basketball summer coach for over 30 years and volunteered at track and cross country meets to run the timers. He was proud to be a Charter Member of the Kewanee High School Hall of Fame and was later inducted himself, once for the 1963 Kewanee Football team and again as a supporter of the school. You could recognize him anywhere as he was always wearing his Boiler Orange. As he would say, “Every day is a Boiler Day.”

He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved great-aunt Kathryn “D.D.” Kirley.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; his three daughters Kara (Marty) Yepsen, Jennifer (David) Angerame, and Tricia / PJ (Mark) Heinle; his grandchildren Natalie, Avery, and Lila Yepsen, Matthew and Sophia Angerame, and Sam, Nicholas, and Chris Heinle; his three sisters Mary Sue (John) Redebaugh, Jane Cote, and Kay (Todd) Lindbeck; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Rosary Service will be at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. The family asks that you wear your Boiler Orange in honor of John’s love for his community. Visitation will be from 4:30 – 7:30 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Saint John Paul II Parish. Father Ghislain Inai will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee High School Athletic Hall of Fame or the Visitation School Foundation. Please leave an online condolence for John’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.

Services

26 Mar

Visitation

04:30 PM - 07:30 PM

Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home 219 E. Second Street Kewanee, Il 61443 Get Directions »
27 Mar

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

St. John Paul II Parish 406 W. Central Blvd. Kewanee, IL 61443 Get Directions »
27 Mar

Interment

12:00 PM

Mt. Olivet Cemetery 1000 Pleasantview Ave. Kewanee, IL 61443 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 03/25/2025

    Judy DeCraene

    John was a good man, and I'm very sorry to learn of his death. His family and mine were close friends while we were growing up. His wife and family have my deepest sympathy. You will all be in my prayers. Judy Bystry DeCraene

  • 03/25/2025

    Mr. and Mrs Dave Bengston

    He was a very good attorney, a good person. He will be missed by many who knew him. Mr.and Mrs. Dave Bengston.

  • 03/25/2025

    Dana McReynolds

    My family and I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He and I both came back to our home town to practiced law after we both finish school at the John Marshall Law School in Kewanee. Later as a Judge John was frequently in my court. He was always a gentleman and advocated with compassion and courage for those he represented. I like many others could have no better friend. He wore his passion for girls sports on his sleeve and the many times we played golf were competitive and ended with a firm handshake. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy to Liz and all of the family, he was a special man. Peace be with him. Dana McReynolds and family

  • 03/25/2025

    Judy Kopp

    I recently had reason to have John's professional services. He was so helpful and compassionate. I know he will be missed by so many. Judy Kopp

  • 03/25/2025

    STEVE DOLIESLAGER

    My condolences goes out to all of John's family! I was stunned to hear John's passing, John was a great guy and a good friend. Now he will join the heavenly Kewanee boilermaker team! Rest in peace my friend!

  • 03/24/2025

    Bonnie Tomlinson

    Liz & family, We were so saddened to hear that John had died. Words of celebration in his obituary are so perfect for our memories of John. We always enjoyed his love of life and humorous stories. He will be a missed & dedicated Kewanee icon. Our prayers to you and family. Bonnie & Doug Tomlinson

  • 03/24/2025

    Melinda Heinitz

    We will miss you at Beck's. My sincere condolences to the family. May you rest in Paradise John.

  • 03/24/2025

    Megan

    Mr. B was one of my favorite coaches in basketball. I appreciated him working hard with us and being a good role model. He will be missed.

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