Louis V. Blaser

Louie Blaser, 84, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born March 30, 1929, in Green Bay, where he lived most of his life. His father, David, died in 1934 when Louie was turning 5 years old, and his mother, Lorraine (Terry) Blaser, raised him and his three siblings at their home on Stuart Street.

He married the former Edna Denis on November 26, 1955, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, and they were blessed with five children: Lisa (Bruce) del Solar, Hubertus, Wisconsin; Tim (Cary), Dennis (Karen), Patrick (Barbara), all Green Bay; and John (Stephanie), Palatine, Illinois. Louie and Edna also had four bright and active grandchildren: Kristen, Alexis, Madeline, and Nathan. The grandkids were truly one of the greatest gifts of Louie's life.

Louie graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947, and enlisted in the Army a few days later. He attended Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and served as a Surgical Tech aboard the U.S. Army transport ship General H.B. Freeman on the Pacific Ocean for 12 months. After being honorably discharged in December 1948, he enrolled at St. Norbert College on the G.I. Bill. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War with the local Naval Reserve in August 1950. After serving in the Navy until April 1952, he reentered St. Norbert, graduating in June 1954. He was a member of the Green Knights football team, playing as a first-string 175 lb. guard. He was one of the fastest players on the team. One year they went undefeated and untied.

After graduation Louie was hired by Brebner-Caterpillar in Green Bay as a salesman. After 10 years with Brebner he joined Drott Tractor Company selling heavy equipment for 26 years. He then formed his own business as a certified appraiser, which he continued to run with his son, Tim.

Louie and Edna socialized often with the people they met and entertained in his career through the years, going on trips and conventions where they maintained many close friendships. They both enjoyed good health and took advantage of their opportunities. Edna primarily worked as a mom at home to care for their children. Education was foremost in their household, and the children all earned college degrees or graduate degrees.

Louie was a proud member of the American Legion Post 258 and the VFW Post 3319. He was very sympathetic with our service men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in the world.

He loved to cook, mostly the standard meat and potatoes stuff. He made a great plate of perch, too. A glass of beer or Kesslers Old Fashioned helped the appetite, and life was pretty complete. Outgoing and friendly, Louie easily made new friends and found new customers. He always felt that this was the true formula of his success. He was very grateful for his wonderful wife, "Edna Mae," children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. His best friend of over 70 years, Mike Farrell, was a frequent visitor at the hospital during Louie's recent illness and was also with Louie at the time of his passing (thank you, Mike). Louie would often talk about some of the eccentric buddies he met in the military and in his career. He enjoyed every minute of it. God was good to him!

He is survived by brother Bucky (Terry) Blaser, brother-in-law Bill Wesley, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by sister Minette (Bill) Wesley, brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Lois Blaser, parents David and Lorraine Blaser, and Edna's parents Edmund and Dorothy (Schneider) Denis. At one time Louie had 93 first cousins.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay from 4:00pm until 8:00pm with a parish prayer service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 139 S. Madison St., Green Bay from 10:00am until 11:00am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the church on Thursday at 11:00am. Military honors will follow.

In typical fashion, Louie himself prepared much of this history on his life and times. He loved telling stories about his experiences and writing as a frequent contributor to the newspaper's Peoples Forum opinion page. He especially advocated the right and duty of citizens to vote on election day.

Louie's charismatic presence can never be replaced and will be deeply missed. He was the center of attention in any setting. His family and pals enjoyed the many colorful expressions he peppered into conversations that came to be known as Louieisms. He passed along a lot of wisdom learned from his mother, knowing that the simpler things in life offer the most contentment. He would often sum up his sentiments with: "It's a great life."

The family thanks Dr. Amy James and the nurses and staff on the fourth floor at Bellin Hospital, and Unity Hospice, for their compassionate care and support, helping to make Louie's final days comfortable and peaceful.