Jack Blotske

Jack Blotske, 92 of Gaylord, passed from this life into eternal life on Monday, September 12, 2022. Born on the family farm in Selfridge, North Dakota on June 30, 1930, he was the son of Joseph and Theresa (Jochim) Blotske.

At age 19, he moved to Detroit to work with his brother, Peter, at his gas station where Jack became an experienced auto mechanic. Jack served in the Army from 1952-54. Returning to Detroit, he fell in love with Connie Gondek, the sister of Peter's wife Dorothy. He took over the gas station, eventually selling it and moving his new family to Selfridge to work in road construction with his brothers. After three years, they made their way back to Michigan and settled in Gaylord where Connie's father lived. Playing the accordion since he was 4 years, Jack was able to use his musical talent to entertain at weddings and parties throughout northern Michigan. His other interests were restoring Model T's, radio-controlled airplanes, and spending time at his barn. He was a jack of all trades, always inventing a better way to do things. Alpenfest was always a highlight of the summer, bringing together many relatives and friends. Jack especially enjoyed playing on the Alpenstrasse with the Sorgenbrecher band. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus. As a member of Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral Choir, they were fortunate to travel all over Europe, even singing at the Vatican. He retired from Cooper Standard, and spent his time practicing his accordion, tinkering at his barn, working on his cars, and traveling with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie of 67 years; children, Laura (Geoff) Stieler of Tecumseh, Jane (Kelly) Fisher of Indian River, Tom (Suzanne) Blotske of Troy and a son-in-law, Michael Grocock; 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; 3 sisters; an infant sister Theresa; and his daughter, Anne Marie Grocock.

Visitation will take place 4:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday, September 18, 2022, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where the rosary will be recited by the Knights of Columbus at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Monday, September 19, 2022, at St. Mary Cathedral where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

The service will be live streamed on www.stmarycathedral.org In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Mary Cathedral School. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.