Joseph Blando, 93, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Avera Hospital.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with Father Greg Tschakert officiating.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery following Mass.

A time for fellowship and luncheon will follow the burial at the parish hall.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Joseph Anton Blando was born September 13, 1931, in Aberdeen to Phillip and Mary (Hoffert) Blando. He attended Riverside Elementary School and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1949.  He later received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern State University.

Joe was an Army veteran, having served honorably with his primary tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan.  He was also a lifelong member of the American Legion.

On May 4, 1957, Joe married the love of his life, Marie Ochs, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, SD. In their union of marriage, they had four sons: Mike, Steve, Scott, and Mark.  He lived in many places throughout his life including Kansas City, Missouri, Northville, Kadoka, Mellette, and Hot Springs, SD.

Joe devoted the bulk of his adult life to education.  From a teacher, to a school superintendent, Joe enjoyed the satisfaction of watching the accomplishments of his students and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow faculty members.

After retirement, Joe and Marie moved back to Aberdeen, where he took a few jobs along the way to keep busy.  Additionally, Joe and Marie were longtime parishioners of the Sacred Heart Church in Aberdeen.

Grateful for having shared Joe’s life are his children: Mike (Terri) Blando, Steve (Julie) Blando, Scott (Barb) Blando, and Mark (Lydia) Blando; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Mary Blando; his wife Marie; and his siblings Helen, Leo, Eva Ann, Del, Katherine and Edward.