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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. |
Not one to sit idle, Laura's
love of Christmas inspired a Santa making business. Answering a plea
from her daughter-in-law to help fill a booth at the Sacred Hearts craft
fair, Laura created one-of-a-kind Santas and sold her first Santa for
$300. She also made over 260 fence posts Santas, Santa sweatshirts,
ornaments, and more. Whatever she touched was artistic and beautifully
made. She wouldn't know how to do anything less.
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.
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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
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