Laura Mae Blaska

SUN PRAIRIE - Laura Mae Blaska, age 90, died Dec. 3, 2016, at Prairie Gardens Assisted Living Facility.

Laura was born on April 2, 1926, in Waunakee, Wis. She was the second oldest of five children. Her parents were Margaret (Maly) and Constance Klein. Laura graduated from Waunakee High School and excelled in typing and shorthand. After passing the Civil Service stenographer test, she began working for the United States Armed Forces Institute, located on the square in Madison. Laura was quickly promoted and responsible for 20 girls who reported to her. Her assignment with USAFI involved helping servicemen find ways to complete their education.

Laura married Gregory Blaska on Sept. 11, 1948. She worked until the birth of their first son, John, and returned to work after their youngest son, Barry, started junior high. Laura was employed as the manager of Peck and Peck in East Towne Mall for 10 years and retired at age 65.

Laura was involved as a volunteer for the World Dairy Expo from it's conception until her husband, Greg, passed away. Laura was a member of St. Anne's Society and The Catholic Order of Foresters. Laura played bridge for over 60 years and enjoyed the company of many friends.

Above all, Laura was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Laura is survived by her children, John (Deb Blaska) of Marshall, Jeff (Margaret Blaska) of Lodi, Margaret (Jeff Howe) of Chicago, Ill., and Barry Blaska of Madison; by her 11 grandchildren, Rebecca Antil, Jessica Blaska Grady, John Matthew Blaska, Laura Lynn, Gregory, Katie and Benjamin Blaska, Emily Fahey and Mallory, Melissa, and Joseph Howe; and great-grandchildren include Alex and Ashton, Ellie and Lucie, Alina and Johnny, Jack and Gus, and baby Dylan.

Laura is survived by her sisters, Lucille Acker, Margaret (Joe) Meier, Virginia Buhler, and many nieces and nephews.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Greg; her brother, Tony Klein; sisters-in-law, Dottie Klein, Evelyn Owens, Burdette Blaska, Lila Blaska, Dolly Blaska, and Elaine Wood; and brothers-in-law, Paul Acker, Don Buhler, Cy Blaska, John Blaska, and Jerome Blaska.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Laura at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church on Friday. Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt will preside. A reception lunch will be offered at 1 p.m. in the lower level of the church, following interment at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.

Memorial donation suggestions include Sacred Hearts Endowment Fund and Agrace HospiceCare.

Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, Wis. (608) 837-5400