Emil Blazek, 84, of Owatonna, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Brookdale Memory Care Center, Owatonna. He was born April 30, 1933 in Owatonna, Minnesota the son of William and Evelyn (Jensen) Blazek. He grew up and attended school in Owatonna. He joined the United States Air Force on April 25, 1951. He served in England as a short-order cook and was honorably discharged on March 16, 1955. He married Agnes Arlene (Brekke) Evans on August 13, 1960. The couple made their home in Owatonna where they raised Arlene's two daughters, Cheri and Susan and had one daughter together, Kari. Emil and Arlene were business partners with Emil's sister and her husband, Dorothy and Bob Fischer and together the couples owned and operated R & C Appliance in Owatonna. Emil later purchased the Fischer's share of the business. Arlene died in an automobile accident in July of 1972. On July 28, 1973, Emil married Janice Jan (Fineran) Hilgendorf and blended his family with her children, Renee, Ron, David and Rick. Emil was known around town as the Maytag Man who enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends. His favorite coffee spots over the years were the Village, the Kernel and Hy-Vee. He was proud of owning lake property in Faribault, and enjoyed boating, water skiing and snowmobiling. He had an adventurous and young spirit his entire life. He was particularly proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities. Emil was a life long member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he ushered for 50 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Eagle's Club and a former member of the American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Jan Blazek of Owatonna; daughter, Kari (Jerry) Johnson of Lancaster, OH; step-children, Renee (Pete) Belina of Owatonna, Ron (Melanie) Hilgendorf of Owatonna and David Hilgendorf of Birmingham, AL, Cheri Evans Wellington of Lancaster, OH and Susan (Dan) Evans Driscoll of Olwein, IA; siblings, Susie Nelson of Blooming Prairie, Bill (Joanne) Blazek of Ames, IA, Pat (Bob) Knutson of Dodge City, KS and Bob (Joyce) Blazek of Owatonna; 28 grandchildren and a number of great and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents, William and Evelyn; first wife, Arlene; son-in-law, Jim Wellington; sister, Dorothy (Bob) Fischer; step-son, Rick Hilgendorf and brother-in-law, Kenneth Nelson. A visitation will be held at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 4-7 PM and at church on Friday one hour prior to the service. A Funeral Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11 AM with Reverend Amanda Weinkauf officiating. Interment with military honors by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church. Visitation: 07/27/2017 16:00 07/27/2017 19:00 Service: and at church on Friday one hour prior to the service. 07/28/2017 11:00