Gerald's obituary
In loving memory of Gerald "Jerry" Blaschko, who passed away peacefully on November 16, 2022.
Born on August 22, 1933, as Francis Gerald Blaschko as one of twelve kids to Edward & Evelyn Blaschko. He always had a smile, and a joke and greeted life with a sense of humor.
Early in life, he learned the importance of hard work on the farm and he continued that work ethic throughout his life. He was an artist at heart and loved to build and create things throughout his life. He made unique furniture, wrought iron tables, and lamps using granite, metal, and glass.
He was married in 1958 to Beverly Strand and raised a family of six kids. He is survived by five of his children, Cindy Hromatka (Greg), Diane Blaschko, Tamara Blaschko, Ronan Blaschko (Dana Bjorkman), and Brad Blaschko (Pauline). He has 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brothers, Mike (Patty), Ken (Gail), and Lyle (Kim) Blaschko; sisters, Pat Kland, Charlotte Harmeyer, and Sandy Blaschko and sister-in-law, Arlene Peterson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his son, Edward (Ward) Blaschko (Gail), his parents, Edward and Evelyn Blaschko; and brothers Tom, LeRoy, Neil Blaschko, and sisters Carol Swanson and Joyce Amador.
After high school, he served in the military as an MP (stationed in Hawaii) during the Korean war before returning to Le Center where he worked at Selly Trucking and Erkel Transfer. Jerry purchased his own welding and machine repair shop where he worked long hours, but always had time for twice daily coffee meetings at the local coffee shops. He served on the Le Center School Board for many years, learned to golf, and served on the Board of the Montgomery Golf Course. For ten years, he took a week off each spring to drive to Columbus, OH, and serve as a Marshall at the PGA Memorial Golf Tournament. He was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and active in the community. He loved football and yelling at Bud Grant and the purple people eaters every Sunday. Lake Superior held a special place in his heart. Vacations on the North Shore with the whole family and scouring the beaches for agates which he loved to polish, were an annual event.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Cribbage and polished stones will always evoke memories of Dad/Grandpa. He always had polished rocks in his pockets and was always ready for a game of cards. He is now at peace but will live on forever in our hearts. We love you so much. Rest in peace.
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Tammy and Family,
I was saddened to hear that your father passed away. I vaguely remember meeting him and/or your mother…
Tammy and Family,
I was saddened to hear that your father passed away. I vaguely remember meeting hi…
Tammy and Family,
I was saddened to hear that your father passed …