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Joseph H. Blommel

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Joseph H. Blommel, 93, of Albany passed away at Mother of Mercy Fairway Ridge Apartments on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany for Joe’s immediate family. Military Honors were provided by the Albany American Legion. He was interred in the parish cemetery. At a later date, the family will be hosting a Memorial Service to celebrate his life with extended family and friends.
Joe was born December 13, 1927, in Freeport, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Koetter) Blommel. He was later raised by his stepmother, Mary Koetter. He attended Sacred Heart School through the eighth grade. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for many years as a I.B.E.W. Electrician. On November 30, 1968, Joe married Frances Mareck and instantly become Pops to her six children.
Joe was active in the community; he was President of Catholic Aid for 20 years, member of Catholic Order of Foresters, life-time member of the Melrose VFW and the Albany American Legion, where he was Commander in 1976, and a 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus. For over twenty years, he delivered Meals on Wheels. From a young age, Joe enjoyed the water. He barefoot water-skied; ice-skated and spent many hours in a boat or fish house waiting for fish to bite. He and Fran liked bowling and playing cards with their family and friends. He started his day with Mass, and then on the Albany Bakery for coffee, rolls, and cards. They also enjoyed travels around the United States and Europe. He especially cherished their pilgrimage to Italy where he received a personal blessing from Pope John Paul II.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Fran; children, Dennis (Marcy) Mareck and David (Darlene) Mareck, of Albany, Kathy (Ralph) Schmitz, of Sauk Rapids, Sharon (Ron) Spanier, of St. Augusta, and Steve (Theresea) Mareck, of St. Cloud; daughter-in-law, Kathy Mareck, of Chanhassen; 19 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and sister Marie Eilers.
He was preceded in death by his step-son, Marvin Mareck; grandchildren, Michael, and Ann Mareck; parents; brothers, Aloys, Alphonse, and Maurus; and sister, Bernadine Pohlman.
Arrangements were with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home.