WILMINGTON — Blake Alan Reikofski, 52, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on December 31, 2022, in Wilmington, NC, after several months of aggressively battling lung cancer. He fought extremely hard the entire time.
Blake was born on August 23, 1970, grew up in north Omaha, and enlisted in the Air Force at age 18. He served four years at Hickam Air Force base in Hawaii, where he had top security clearance. Upon his return to the mainland in 1994, Blake met his future wife, Chris, at a telemarketing job in Omaha. They dated for a few years and after getting permission from Stephanie (Chris’ 6-year-old daughter), they married in Jamaica in 1996.
The family lived in Omaha where Connor was born in 1999, and Naperville, IL where Hannah was born in 2000. Shortly after, they moved back to Omaha to be closer to family. His biggest pride was his children – he was able to be involved with all the kids’ activities (traveling volleyball and soccer, football, show choir, trampoline and tumbling), and loved hosting family get-togethers.
In 2020, Blake, Chris, and Hannah moved to Wilmington, North Carolina to evade colder weather and to be close to the ocean. They spent many early mornings sea-shelling and evenings exploring new restaurants. He loved food from all over the world; Thai, sushi, Asian and Cajun were his favorites, but also enjoyed a good BBQ.
Blake loved his family, good beers (his favorite was Chimay), fishing, golfing, playing trivia, sand volleyball, cards, pool and Fantasy Football.
Blake is survived by his wife of 26 years, Christina Reikofski; three children, Stephanie Ortmann (Kit), Connor Reikofski (Lindsay Cech, Brooklynn Cech), and Hannah Reikofski; parents, James and Ileen Morrow; brother, Scott Reikofski (Jill, Josh, Olivia, Grayson); and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by grandparents, Marvin and Dorothy Manners and James and Twyla Morrow.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 7 in Omaha, Nebraska at Nebraska Brewing (6950 S 108th St, La Vista, NE 68128) from noon to 1 p.m. with a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. with family and friends. If you would like to say a few words, a microphone will be available at 2 p.m.
In lieu of sending flowers, please make memorial donations to the American Lung Association in memory of Blake.
