Kay Blahauvietz

Kay G. Blahauvietz, a decorated Air Force veteran, civil engineer, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at his Cocoa Beach home on Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born April 28, 1933, in Sanborn, Iowa, to John William and Onica Velma Blahauvietz, his character was shaped by his early life on their family farm in Harris, Iowa. When asked about his childhood, he would reminisce about the ornery horse, Buddy, and the local consolidated school, where he was 1 of 5 children offered the opportunity to take Algebra in preparation for college. He graduated from Iowa State and earned a Master of Science from the University of Texas in 1965.

His distinguished 21-year career in the U.S. Air Force spanned global service and culminated in his retirement in 1976. He flew aircraft, including the T-34, T-28, KC-135, and the Cessna O-2 as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam. His assignments included Carswell AFB, Mildenhall (flying 8.5-hour airborne command post missions), Edwards AFB, and Yokota Air Base, where he was Deputy Director of Engineering for the 5th Air Force. In Vietnam, he served as a Detachment Commander and Senior Air Advisor to the commander of IV Corps, earning "The Order of the Dragon." While at Patrick AFB, he flew the modified C-135 known as ARIA (Apollo Range Instrumented Aircraft), also referred to as the “Snoopy” plane due to its black, droopy nose.  He would point out these airplanes to his children whenever he drove by the airfield.

In 1968, Kay met “the love of his life,” Susan Keating, a travel representative, while on holiday in Majorca. They married on August 1, 1970, and together raised three children. They shared a life filled with adventure, including skiing, cruising, and extensive global travel.

Following his military service, Kay launched a successful civilian engineering career in Cocoa Beach, Florida. For 17 years, he served as Vice President of Suntree Development Company, overseeing the construction of nearly 3,000 homes and an 18-hole golf course. Later, he worked for John Allen Engineering until his retirement in late 2010. In retirement, Kay and Susan have enjoyed socializing with friends, traveling the world, and spending quality time with family.

Kay's life was a testament to honesty, kindness, and loyalty, leaving a legacy of integrity and memorable stories for all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Onica Blahauvietz, and his brother, Wayne (Ruth and Earline) Blahauvietz.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his children, David Blahauvietz, Karen Barnett, and Emma (Nicholas) Cummings; his grandchildren, Amanda (Scott) Nevil, Lucy Cummings, and Phoebe Cummings; his great-grandchildren, London and Ryder; and his nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Ken) Roberts, Rob (Kathy) Blahauvietz, Joni (Cavinl) Harms, and Rick (Abby) Blahauvietz.

A small celebration of his life will be held the weekend of April 18th. For additional information, please contact the family.