Eileen Catherine Blodnick, 74

Eileen Catherine Blodnick, 74, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007, at her home in Kalispell. She was born on March 25, 1932, in Anaconda, to John and Irene (Sokolich) Kriskovich. Eileen received her early education in Anaconda, graduating from Anaconda Central High School in 1950.

She married Fred Blodnick at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Anaconda on Aug. 2, 1951. The couple remained in Anaconda to raise their family. Eileen was very active in the lives of her six children. She attended each and every sporting event, 4-H activity and scout meeting. She was involved in each of the Catholic parishes and was a life member of the KSKJ Lodge.

After the Smelter closed, the couple moved to Kalispell where Eileen managed the Gateway Apartments until 1996. She very much enjoyed growing flower and vegetable gardens; and many blue ribbons were won at the local county fair.

While Eileen was still very involved in her children's lives, her focus shifted to her grandchildren. She was their biggest and loudest fan. Eileen also worked a few hours a day at Gresko Bakery where she excelled at baking and selling all kinds of goodies. After Fred's passing in 2001, Eileen stopped working at the bakery. She shifted her attention more fully to the time she spent at the Summit. She so enjoyed her time there exercising and especially socializing. She also took more opportunity to travel and had a very memorable trip to Europe and the Oregon Coast.

Eileen and her family were so grateful to Dr. Karen Hunt and her staff, after her diagnosis, for all their love, guidance and support.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; and her brother and sister-in-law, Louis and Theresa Kriskovich.

She is survived by three sons, Mick Blodnick and wife, Kim, of Kalispell, Dick Blodnick and wife, Dr. Shari Marx. of Helena, and Skip Blodnick and wife, Diane, of Spokane; three daughters, Joanie Alban and husband, Rob, of Henderson, Nev., Peggy Felice, and Becky Byers and husband, John, all of Spokane; four sisters, Mary Tonkovich and husband, George, Evelyn Hekkel and husband, Richard, Rosalie Kriskovich, and Kathy Bleile and husband, John, all of Anaconda; two sisters-in-law, Regina Greany and husband, Dick, of Rapid City, S.D. and Alice Keihn and husband, Al, of Anaconda. She is also survived by her very, very loving friend, Rita Jemming; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial for Eileen will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with Father Rudy Bullman as celebrant. Committal will follow the service at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Monday, March 5, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Home Options/Hospice: 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, Montana 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Eileen's family.