Robert “Bob” Stephen Blazekovic

August 1, 1938 - October 6, 2021

Robert “Bob” Stephen Blazekovic, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2021 with his wife, Olene, of over 60 years and family by his side.

Bob was born in Battle Creek Michigan on August 1, 1938, to Emelia and Steve Blazekovic of Croatia.

He graduated from St Philip High School where he proudly lead the football team to an undefeated season and state championship.  He also was on the St. Philip Basketball team and participated in many extracurricular clubs and organizations.

He continued his education at the University of Detroit where he played on the Collegiate Football Team, was a member of the ROTC, and earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate. 

He then married Olene Elizabeth Jacobson on October 19, 1959.  Bob’s love for sporting activities was carried on to his own children and grandchildren.  Bob and his wife Olene were present at every swim meet – basketball game- his own grandsons black belt presentation and many other school concerts and dance recitals always with a camera in hand.  He enjoyed playing chess and was an Excalibur Master Chess competitor enjoying this activity during retirement winning a few chess competitions along the way.

Bob’s memory lives on through the love of his wife, Olene Blazekovic; daughter, Christin Blazekovic of Cape Coral, FL, sons, Steven Blazekovic of Miami FL and Robert Blazekovic, Jr. and wife, Kami of Port Charlotte, FL; seven grandchildren, Megan Vanderploeg and husband, Nate of East Grand Rapids, MI, Morgan Brown of Fort Myers, FL, Chase Blazekovic of Cape Coral, Hannah, Francesca, Nicole and Christian Blazekovic of Port Charlotte.  Bob also recently enjoyed the welcoming of his two great grandchildren, Oliver and Sheperd Vanderploeg of East Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Sacharski and husband, Michael; as well as his favorite nephew and golf partner, Aaron Sacharski of Honolulu, Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emelia and Steve Blazekovic.

The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in Cape Coral Florida and Battle Creek Michigan.  Arrangements have not been set and are coming soon.

Memorial Contributions in Memory of Robert “Bob” Stephen Blazekovic are suggested to The Alzheimer’s Foundation, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor # 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to The Epilepsy Foundation, 4040 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Ken Dehon Oct 8, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Christin, Steve and family please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your Father. Although I didn’t know him, knowing christin is certainly enough to know he was a great father. I read that he was very accomplished in at many things in his life. I would have like to have known him. Always remember him how he was in his glory.
    Ken Dehon

  2. Lorie Parr Oct 8, 2021 at 3:40 pm

    Mrs.Olene and family,I Would like to offer my condolences on the passing of Mr.Blazekovic (Bob).I had the pleasure of being one of Bobs caregivers when he was still at home.I am sending my love and prayers to the family.

  3. Marcia Leonard Oct 8, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Olene, Mary Ann and family,
    I am so very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. So many family memories of us all in Auntie Mildred’s house. Thinking of you all.
    Love, Marcia Martinovich Leonard

  4. Paul Sims Oct 10, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Bob was always an extremely competitive person. In our many contests of golf and ping pong, I was never able to defeat him once. He was a good friend despite the fact that he broke my leg during a football practice scrimmage. We had good times together.
    Paul Sims (410-530-5677)

  5. Lou Belcher Oct 14, 2021 at 11:49 am

    Olene, A message from a long ago friend, Lou Belcher ….I was sorry to hear of your husband Bob’s death. I read his remarkable history… quite a remarkable person and a wonderful family you both raised. please contact me at my e-mail address. belcherld@yahoo.com

  6. Vinay kumar Oct 14, 2021 at 1:34 pm

    I am so saddened to hear about your father’s passing. I hope you find comfort in good memories during this difficult time. May time heal the sadness that you feel with the loss of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time.

  7. James Kennedy Dec 6, 2021 at 11:10 am

    We are saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. Bob and Olene were good neighbors at 888. Bob and I gave each other nick names, Bob was “Blaze”, he called me “Jaguar-Jim”. Our best to all of Bob’s family. Jim & Paula Kennedy

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