William “Bill” Blazek, of Star, Idaho, returned home to his Heavenly Father on October 20, 2024. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Bill was born on September 5, 1964, in Pocatello, Idaho. His formative years were spent in the Boise area and Elko, Nevada. During his years in Elko, Bill developed a fondness for the outdoors as he engaged in fishing, golfing, ice skating on a frozen lake and playing baseball. He graduated from Elko High School in 1982 and soon after, started working on ranches.
Bill learned his work ethic and developed his grit through the hard work of ranching and participating in rodeo. He thrived being on the back of a horse, just like his grandfather did. He spoke fondly of his time at Busterback Ranch in Stanley, Idaho where he enjoyed the mountains and living the cowboy life. His mother hated his rodeo days, but he lived for it.
Bill started his own construction business building fences, decks and later framing houses. He had a passion for working with his hands and enjoyed working on cars, woodworking and tinkering.
When his body told him he was too old for that work, he entered the car business. Bill had a charismatic personality and, as the saying goes, he never met a stranger. He worked his way through sales and eventually into finance and management.
On May 29, 2004, Bill married the love of his life, Keri Lewis Ricca. He welcomed Keri’s four children into his life and took on the role of step-father. Together, they had two more girls. Bill cherished his family and worked hard to provide for them, teach them, and keep them laughing.
Bill had a quiet faith that was manifested through his acts of service. Whether lending a hand to a neighbor, helping a friend in need, or supporting a stranger, Bill never hesitated to offer help. He never sought recognition or repayment but gave generously from the goodness of his heart.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents Keith and Jackie Smith, grandparents, and a dear friend, Travis Atwood. He is survived by his loving wife, Keri; his children: Jordyn, Madison, Mekayla (Antonio Starkey), Brennan, Sierra (Ryley Maxwell), Shaylyn; his two beloved grandchildren Alexandria and Samson Starkey; his sisters Penny Key (Mike) and Kim Farber and his brother Brent Blazek (Jayne); his bonus daughters: Trish and Melissa; and many other cherished family members and friends.
A funeral service to honor the life of Bill Blazek will be held on October 28, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 2515 W Ustick Rd, Meridian, ID 83646. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill’s memory to the American Cancer Society. The family would like to offer special thanks to St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice, especially Michelle Ricks, for their tender care and kindness.