Morris Edward Blecha, 86, of Pawnee City, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019 at Premier Estates in Pawnee City, Nebraska.  He was born on May 12, 1933 to Joseph F. And Mary E. (Wies) Blecha in Pawnee City, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm 4 miles south of Steinauer, Nebraska.  He attended school at District # 11 near Violet, Nebraska.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army on May 19, 1953 at 19 years of age. He went to basic training for eight weeks in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri during the Korean Conflict. He was a truck driver hauling troops in the 333rd pipeline company.  He was honorably discharged on May 18, 1955.  After his service, he returned home to work on the family farm and also worked for neighbors.  He started farming for himself in 1959.

He married Frances Theresa Herrley on November 20, 1965. To this union 5 children were born. He and Frances purchased the farm where they currently reside in 1974 from Winnfred Krantz and Katherine Cool.  Morris had a beef feedlot and cow-calf operation with his wife Frances until 1981. At this time they dispersed the beef herd and set up a dairy operation.  Morris milked cows for a number of years and continued to participate in the farming operation with his son Mark. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary, siblings, Charles Blecha, Betty Blecha, Robert Blecha, Jo Ann Blecha and Mary Jean Shinn and granddaughter, Megan Paige Deneke.

He survived by his wife Frances, children Marcia (Steven) Deneke, Wessington Spring, SD, Mary (Michael)  Moser of Pawnee City, NE, Melisa (Shawn) Friedly, of Pawnee City, NE, Mark Blecha of Pawnee City, NE, Machelle (Ryan) Wendel of Lincoln, NE, six grandchildren, Katelin Deneke, Blake, Collin and Lauren Moser, Nathan Friedly, and Emilia Wendel, brothers John and Richard Blecha, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen. Visitation on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Interment at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery with military rites provided by the Table Rock American Legion and the Nebraska Army National Guard.  Memorials to family choice.  Online condolences can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.