Julia J. Blazich

Julia J. Blazich, 72, passed away at 7:01 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Staunton Health and Rehab.

Julia was born on February 14, 1953, to Kenneth and Marietta Jean (Pocock) Johnson in Hillsboro, IL. She married Paul Blazich on June 27, 1989, in Paducah, KY. She worked for the Secretary of State of Illinois for over 32 years until her retirement, and later helped her husband with his tree trimming business until 2014.

Julia lived a life full of love and joy. She and Paul enjoyed traveling together to their favorite destinations, including Florida, Memphis, and Laughlin, NV, where they often visited the casinos and Julia had a special knack for winning. At home, she cherished time with her family most of all. She loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her happiest moments were those spent making memories with them. Julia also enjoyed canning and gardening, tending to her vegetables, and planting flowers that brightened her yard each season. She had a gift for creating beauty around her, whether in her garden or through the warmth she shared with those she loved.

In addition to her husband, Julia is survived by her son, Kenneth (April Marley) Cleeton III; Jason (Lita) Blazich and Michael (Chelsi) Blazich; grandchildren, Mikayla Davis, Axton Cleeton, Harper Cleeton, Jared Blazich, Jalen Blazich, Justine Voyles, Jacey Gregory, Jamison Blazich, Cassandra Blazich, Jessica Blazich, Landon Blazich, and Colin Blazich; great-grandchildren, Kira, Keyne, Kenway Blazich, Nash, Salem Blazich, Alaina Gregory, Kaiden Voyles, and baby Gregory; and two brothers, Lynn (Jill) Johnson and Morris (Jane) Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Loren Johnson and Brian Johnson.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Nokomis, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Prumm. Burial will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Nokomis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newkomis (Community Garden).

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at stiehldawsonfh.com.

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