Percy Blinzler

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Percy Edward Blinzler, Jr., age 82, of Joplin, passed away on Monday November 28, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle with cancer.

Percy was born on April 18, 1940 in Wentworth, MO, the son of the late Percy Edward Blinzler and Margaret (Mettlach) Blinzler. He graduated from Pierce City High School. 

He met and married his wife, Freda Rakoski on September 15, 1962, at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Together they made their home in Joplin and were blessed with three children. They just recently celebrated sixty years together.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He worked for Ozark Engineering for twenty-five years and twenty-five years for Doing Steel. He retired in 2010. He served several years in the National Guard.

Percy dedicated many years of service to the Blinzler Softball Complex in Joplin. In 1979 Percy designed and spearheaded the building of the first softball fields dedicated to girls’ softball in the area. Percy wanted girls to have every opportunity that boys had to play sports. His efforts have made it one of the nicest Little League parks in the area. Throughout his years of service he has coached his daughters and granddaughters’ softball teams. For the last forty-seven years he has touched many lives across many states through multiple tournaments and many games played. He will be remembered by numerous families, for creating wonderful family memories to cherish for a lifetime.

He also served as the McAuley Booster Club President. He served on the Saginaw Board of Trustees for over forty years. He was a member of the Joplin Lion’s Club for over forty years. He also was President of Joplin Little League, Inc.

Percy is survived by his wife; Freda Blinzler, Joplin; two daughters; Donna Blinzler, Joplin, and Diane Blinzler, Diamond, MO; his son; James Blinzler and wife Jan of Webb City, MO.; and four grandchildren; Lindsey Reynolds, Ian Blinzler, Reanna Blinzler and Hunter Heikkila.

A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Reverend Joe Weidenbenner will officiate. There will be a private family burial in St. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Pulaski Field, near Pierce City, MO.

A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday with a visitation following until 8:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Blinzler Sports Complex in care of the mortuary.