Joseph J. "Joe" Blatnik

September 23, 1931 - February 5, 2022

Joseph J. "Joe" Blatnik, age 90, of Wickliffe, passed away February 5, 2022. He was born in Cleveland, on September 23, 1931, to the late Joseph and Virginia Blatnik. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who will be greatly missed by many. He was a longtime resident of Wickliffe and an active Parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Joe was very active in preserving and celebrating the Slovene heritage. He was the past and present President of Lodge 614. He was a 60-year member of SNPJ. Joe served as the treasurer and secretary from 1964 to 2014 at SNPJ Farm in Kirtland. He enjoyed listening to and dancing polkas along with volunteering at many events hosted by SNPJ Farm in Kirtland. Joseph is survived by his children Joseph G. (Laurie) and Francine (James) Zizelman. grandchildren Cassidy (Lee) Zupancic, Dominic Blatnik and Matthew Zizelman, great-grandchildren of Carter and Lily, siblings Martha (Robert) Kaska and John Karaz. Joseph also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 57 years, Mary "Mitzi' Blatnik (nee Matekovich), and siblings Paul Karaz and Helen Cvetic. Visitation will be on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 4 to 8 at Monreal Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 29850 Euclid Ave, Wickliffe. Joseph is laid to rest at All Souls in Chardon. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joseph can be made to SNPJ Farm in Kirtland, Sisters of Notre Dame-Chardon, and Slovene Home for the Aged.