Frank D. Blachnik, 69, of Westfield, IA, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2016 in a Sioux Falls, SD hospital. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 3, 2016 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Frank was born on October 12, 1946 in Yankton, South Dakota, the son of Arthur and Ruth (Keegan) Blachnik. He joined the United States Marine Corps in January 1965 at the rank of Private (E-1) Serving with “I” company, 3rd Battalion/28th Marines, 5 Marine Division at Camp Pendelton, California. During his enlistment, Frank served as a machine gunner and was awarded medals for good conduct, national defense as well as the Vietnam campaign medal with 2 stars. After completing his enlistment, Frank was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank of Sergeant (E-5) in January of 1968 and remained in reserve status until January 1971.

Frank married Lynda Guy on November 13, 1986 in Elk Point, South Dakota.

Frank worked for the labor local 427 for 20 plus years. He also worked for the Sioux City Journal for many years. Frank enjoyed spending his time fishing, camping, hunting, target shooting, bicycling with his kids, history, and going out to eat.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda of Westfield; children, Shelly (Roberto) Hernandez Jacome, Leila Griffin, Darrin Blachnik, Lexie Blachnik, Casi Blachnik, and Ira (Angie) Lopez, all of Sioux City; brothers, Buster Keegan of Lawton, IA, Donald (Harriet) Bartholomew of Aurelia, IA, and James Blachnik of Omaha, NE; sisters, Elizabeth Blachnik of Sioux City and Carol (Jerry) Barnes of Texas; grandchildren, Roberto, Shyla, Tayecyn, Anthony, Terence Jr., Santana, Roelise, Blake, Jordyn, Darrin Jr., Lathyn, and Raydyn, and his special extended family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald (Arliss) Keegan, and sister in law, Betty Keegan.