Charles Edward “Bud” Boblink of Schererville, IN passed away to meet his Savior on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at the age of 86 in Chicago, IL, the place of his birth. Bud is warmly remembered for his musical talent, good-humor, and devotion to church, family, and friends.

Renowned harmonica performer Bud Boblink spent the last 60+ years playing regularly with harmonica trios, ensembles, and as a solo act on professional recordings, radio, and TV and on stage in Chicagoland, around the country, and around the world. Largely recognized as one of the last virtuosos on the 2-foot-long chord harmonica, Bud performed on tours in Europe and Asia, on cruise ships, and in festivals and concerts all over the Canada and the U.S., including regularly as a judge at the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival in Idaho and national functions related to SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica), who has recognized his contributions to harmonica music with the Harmonica Player of the Year Award.

Born to Frank and Elizabeth (Andrichik) Boblink, Bud was a young self-taught musician mesmerized by his idols The Harmonicats, and in the early 1950s he mimicked their style with his buddies to form a teen-aged harmonica trio, The Harmonica Bobcats, to perform on Chicago radio’s Morris B. Sachs Amateur Hour. Over the years, Boblink performed as many harmonica groups, including The Mike Hanley Trio, Jammercats, Harmonica Classics, The Yellow Pine Trio, The FunTymers, Windy City Harmonica Trio, Johnny Puleo’s Harmonica Gang. He played with the original Harmonicats often, including at the 1990 MLB All-Star Game on the field at Wrigley. He wanted everyone to be as happy as he was performing. He never tired of it: playing music, telling gag jokes, and doing magic tricks in nursing homes with his close music friends, or under bright lights in Singapore with other harmonica greats.

Mr. Boblink spent most of his working career at Sears Roebuck in sales and management as “Chuck” in River Oaks, Calumet City; he was also a U.S. Army Veteran and active at local churches including Our Lady of Knock in Calumet City, IL, and St. Thomas More in Munster, IN. Grandpa Bud loved spending time with his grandchildren and extended family, whom he always encouraged by telling them they were great (“grape nuts”), and that they consider careers in ventriloquism or magic.

Mr. Boblink is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara (nee Pagliero): loving son, David (Jocelyn) Boblink of Highland, IN; grandchildren, Haley (fiancé Robert Mustak) and Noah Boblink of Chicago, IL and Christian Boblink of Wisconsin. Bud is also survived by sisters, Lois Matz of Lansing, IL, Marilyn (Phillip) Hickey of Rochester, IN, Donna O’Connor of Schererville, IN, Eileen (Donald) Bork of Dyer, IN and Holly Boblink of Hegwisch, IL; step- grandson, Jedidiah Barlow; and a host of adoring nieces and nephews. Bud joins those preceding him in death, including beloved son, Thomas Robert, and brother, Frank.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church 8501 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN with a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial offered by Reverend Michael Yadron. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Calumet City, IL. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 3:30 p.m. and again on Friday, at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Mass.

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