Coon Rapids - Jerry Blaze, 54, of Coon Rapids and formerly of Strandquist died Sunday, August 31, 1997.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 6 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Karlstad with Reverend Gary Halvorson officiating. Kristen Olson was the organist. Vocal music was provided by his daughters, Brenda and Jodee and niece Joetta Fay. The volcalists were accompanied by Jackie Fay.
Casketbearers were Lawrence Holmgren, John Fay, Tom Blazejewski, Mike Holmgren, Shawn Peterson and Vernon Blazejewski. Interment was at Heglund Lutheran Cemetery in Strandquist. A prayer service was held Thursday, September 4 in Coon Rapids. The Seman Family Funeral Home of Coon Rapids was in charge of the arrangements.
Jerry Von Blaze was born April 20, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Ida (Gustafson) and John Blaze. The family moved to Strandquist in 1945 where Jerry attended and graduated from Strandquist School. Jerry was a confirmed member of First Lutheran Church in Karlstad. He owned a drywall business for 35 years.
Jerry was an avid outdoor sportsman who enjoyed reading, carpentry and music. He piloted and owned his own airplane and enjoyed restoring his '56 Fords. On July 10, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Troy Oistad of Houston, TX, Brenda (Joe) Moeller of Rosemount, Jason Blaze of Grand Forks, ND and Jodee (Eric) Meidinger of Ashley, ND; his mother, Ida Blaze of Stephen; four grandchildren; two sisters, Lynette (John) Fay of Stephen and Beverly (Ray) Gajeski of White Bear Lake; several nieces and nephews; and close friend, Kerry Peterson.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Blaze; and two children, Brian and Jennifer.