STAN “LEIGH” BLAZEK, age 41, of Silver Spring, Md., Chicago, and Poynette, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 2, 2013, at his home in Silver Spring, Md.

He was born in Oaklawn, Ill., to Anthony and Nancy (Binicki) Blazek on April 24, 1972. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard until 2004 with the rank of staff sergeant. He obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, followed by his master of science degree from Silver Lake College. He worked for the Department of Labor as a federal project officer in Chicago, and most recently in Washington, D.C., as a team leader for the Division of Strategic Planning and Performance. He also co-owned and operated Class Act Pizzeria in Lodi.

His interests included family, friends, running (having completed two marathons) and traveling. Stan was most happy when pleasing others, often being the life of any party with his quick wit. He was a kind, caring, sensitive old soul who loved his mother more than anyone.

He is survived by his faithful Great Dane, Madison; his father, Anthony (Diane); siblings, Anthony (Cindy), Robert (Tammy) and Tracey (Todd) Hillestad; his very special aunt, Brenda (Kim) Sopha and their children, Ryan and Kym; along with many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-niece, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

There was a Celebration of Life for Stan "Leigh" at the DEKORRA COMMUNITY CENTER, W8460 Bilkie Road, Poynette, WI 53955, on Nov. 16, 2013. In honor of Stan's love for the Wisconsin Badgers, attendees were asked to dress in their favorite Badgers attire.

In honor of his mother memorials may be directed to The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association.

“If tears could build a stairway, And thoughts a memory lane, I'd walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, You were gone before I knew it, And only God knows why.

My heart's still active in sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you, No one can ever know.

But now I know you want us, To mourn for you no more, To remember all the happy times, Life still has much in store.

Since you'll never be forgotten, I pledge to you today, A hallowed place within my heart, Is where you'll always stay.

God knows why, with chilling touch, Death gathers those we love so much, And what now seems so strange and dim, Will all be clear, when we meet Him.

I knew you for a Moment.”

- author unknown

"Keep it movin’ Stan, you are the “Best”, we will always love and miss you.”