Karl Pirhalla of Blenheim passed away on Friday October 24, 2014 at the age of 88 years and three weeks sho
rt of his 65th wedding anniversary . Karl was born in Kezmarok, Slovakia to his late parents Helena (Baltiscova) & Karl Pirhalla. He was predeceased by his only sister Hilda Stuchalova. He met his future wife who survives him, Mary (Stefina) at a picnic that was held by the Slovak community in a bush outside Blenheim and six months later, on November 19, 1949, her birthday, they were married. Their surviving daughter Patricia Pirhalla lives next to the family farm. Their second daughter, Nancy Susan Pirhalla passed away as an infant. Karl was a farmer all his life. In his spare time, he was a great advocate for his community. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Roman Catholic School Board who was instrumental in extending bussing for all Catholic district students to St. Mary’s, the new St. Anne’s and The Pines in Chatham. Karl served on the Board of the Credit Union in its infancy when it was operated out of the basement in St. Mary’s Church and for many years on the main street in Blenheim. He was one of the organizers of the Blenheim Summerfest which brought Walter Ostanek to Blenheim. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He is also survived by several sister-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews in Canada, New Jersey and Slovakia and a very dear neighbor, Giacomo Apuzzo. It was Karl’s wish that cremation take place. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim on Saturday November 1, 2014 at 12:00 noon followed by an interment in Evergreen Cemetery and a luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall. Blenheim Community Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements. Friends wishing to remember Karl with a Memorial Donation are asked to consider the Alzheimers Society, the Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
