Joseph Gary Blata

Joseph Gary Blata, 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, at Kalispell Regional Medical center in Kalispell. Before and after his passing he was surrounded by his loved ones.

Joseph was born April 7, 1947 to Rudolph “Gocky” and Pauline “Nan” (Lord) Blata in Twining, Michigan. He graduated from Arenac Eastern High School in 1964, after which he then continued and exceeded his dreams of travel and exploring.

Joseph lived life to the fullest with a Gyspy heart and soul; there was nowhere he wanted to go, only places he wanted to return to. Joseph found his love of nature and privacy in his settling home town of Troy in 1988, where he raised his five children.

Joseph loved big family dinners — Thanksgiving being one of his favorite holidays — and spending time with his two grandsons. He was a teacher, protector and loved to tell stories of his life.

Joseph took in many less fortunate children of Troy, giving them a home and someone to love and have faith in them. He excelled in being a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Joseph is preceded in death by his son Joseph Blata; daughter Tracy Blata; parents Rudy and Pauline Blata; brothers Luke and Dave Blata; sister Patsy Bellows; and his beloved furry companion Weezer.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 38 years, Danielle; his children Kimberly Blata, Stacey Deel, Joseph Blata Jr., Christy Mitchell, Natasha Haines, Sarah Powell, Seth Blata, April Blata, Terassa Blata and Jacoby Blata; and his grandchildren Kina, Chance, Cody, Nick, Cole, Alison, Connor and Colter; and his best friend Ron Hunter.

Family, friends and others whose lives Joseph touched are invited to the property of Hawk and Sarah Powell at 427 Mountain View Dr. in Troy (directly behind the Halfway House) on Sept. 16, 2017, from 2 p.m. until tired, for a celebration of life to reminisce, grieve, support each other and, of course, share love and stories. Watch for the balloons.