Frank Blazek, 83, of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, surrounded by loved ones at his home in the Mayflower Community. Frank was born on May 7, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Louis and Helen Beville Blazek. He was raised in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Wilson High School with the Class of 1952. He continued his education at the University of Iowa and later graduated with a BA degree in Education from Coe College. In April of 1953, he was united in marriage to Joanne T. Slocum in Cedar Rapids and to this union was born four children, Deborah, Ricky, Michael and Vickie. Frank and Joanne divorced in 1965. In June of 1966, he was united in marriage to Dorothy "Dottie" Perry of Madrid, Iowa and to this union was born three children, Danni, Felisa and Jonathan. The couple lived in Illinois, Arkansas, Texas and Colorado before moving to the Mayflower Community in Grinnell, Iowa. He received his M.A. degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Arkansas, and also received credit from the University of Madrid in Spain. He devoted over 30 years of his life teaching Spanish to high school students and also worked as a travel agent specializing in trips to South America. He enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling with Dottie and sampling some delicious kolache. Spending time with family and friends was special to Frank as well as his companionship with his dog "Lady". Survivors include his wife, Dottie Blazek of Grinnell; his children, Deborah (Kevin) Carney of Cedar Rapids, Vickie (Jerry) Hill of Highlandville, Missouri, Danni Blazek of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Felisa Blazek of Brentwood, New Hampshire and Jonathan Blazek of Chicago, IL; his daughter-in-law, Geraldine "Red" Blazek of Cedar Rapids; 14 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-mother, Edith; his half-brother, Howard F. Clark; his first wife, Joanne Blazek; two sons, Rick and Michael Blazek; and one grandson, Joshua Blazek.