Deborah L. Blahnik, age 61, of 7960 30th Road, died Saturday evening September 6, 2008, at her home in Rapid River, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Deborah was born, May 8, 1947, in Hale, MI, the daughter of Leland and Leona (Slosser) Beeck. She was raised throughout the Michigan, eventually relocating to Rapid River where she attended and graduated from the Rapid River High School in 1965. Following high school, Deborah received a scholarship to attend the Bay de Noc Community College, graduating in 1967 with an Associate Degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. On July 14, 1967, Deborah was united in marriage, to Lawrence Blahnik, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Due to Lawrence’s enlistment in the United States Coast Guard, the couple made their home in various location throughout the United States, finally settling in Rapid River where they made their home and continued to raised their family. Throughout her life, Deborah was employed as an LPN, the Vice President of Blahnik Engineering, an aid for Caring Hands of Upper Michigan and her small family business, "We Won’t Tell" Cookies. In addition to her working career, Deborah stayed primarily at home as a loving wife, mother and homemaker. Deborah was a member of the Rapid River Congregational Church and volunteered for the Women’s Fellowship Group. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, collecting bears and vintage knitting and crocheting patterns and cherished spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her husband Lawrence and her mother Leona, Deborah is survived by:

1 Son: Lawrence (Beth) Blahnik III of Fountain City, WI

1 Daughter: Christian Blahnik of Marquette, MI

1 Brother: Mike (Glenda) Beeck of Arizona

5 Sisters: Dresden (Joe Pach) DuRoy of Wells, MI; Drenda Beeck of Morrisonville, NY; DuQuette "Teddy" Johnson of Escanaba, MI; Darbie Beeck of Apache Junction, AZ; Donya (Dan) Pudas of Ironwood, MI

6 Grandchildren: Robbie, Maggie, Preston, Tavian, Jennie and Mikayla

Many loving nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Lee.
 
The Blahnik family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00PM to 4:30PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Deborah L. Blahnik will follow visitation, at 5:30PM, at the Rapid River Congregational Church, with Rev. William Rafuse officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Contributions in Deborah’s name may be directed to the Rapid River Congregational Church. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home throughout visitation. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Blahnik family with arrangements.