Ernest Blaschka

Ernest W. Blaschka Ernie Blaschka (Marshall) passed away at home on Monday, August 26, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 94. He was born on February 27, 1919 in Sun Prairie (WI) Township near Cottage Grove. He was the son of William and Christena (Zorn ) Blaschka. He married Loretta C. Kuhle on July 9th, 1949 at Sacred Hearts church in Sun Prairie, WI. He was self employed and ran the feed mill in Marshall since 1940 (Blaschka Mill). He served in World War 11 with the first Battalion, 109th Infantry, 28th Division from Sept. 28, 1942 to Sept. 28, 1945. He landed on Omaha Beach on July 21, 1944. He fought in Normandy and on to Paris, which they liberated Aug. 25. Then on to Belgium, Luxemburg and were the first foot soldiers to step in Germanys Siegfried line on Sept. 11, 1944. He was hit with shrapnel twice before, but on Sept. 15, a rifle bullet hit him in the face that sent him back to a hospital in England. He was a B.A.R. rifle assistant. His best Christmas present was Dec. 25,1944 when he left the hospital to go back to the U.S.A. After several camps he landed at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma and joined the 4th army, training with 4 point 2 mortars, to head for the Japanese coast. His service ended when the atomic bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. What a happy bunch of GI's! He was a P.F.C., in three campaigns, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and French Battle Certificate. He played baseball, softball, bowled and played cards. He was a hunter of small game, trapper of small animals, and a fisherman. His parents and family lived in Marshall since March of 1919. He was a fireman for 47 years, belonged to the American Legion since 1945 and was commander, treasurer and chaplain for 31 years, belonged to the VFW in Waterloo since 1974, belonged to Saint Mary of the Nativity Church in Marshall. Served on the church and cemetery board for 15 years, belonged to the Catholic Foresters since 1936 and was treasurer for 15 years. He is survived by sons William (Lorraine) Blaschka, and Joe Blaschka, daughters Suzanne (Bill) Kuhlow, Marian (Jerry) Porter, and Patricia (Ralph) Wells, all of Marshall, Son in law Steve Weber of Waterloo, WI Grandchildren: Jerry (Angie) Hanefeld, Markesan, WI, Brenda (Jeff) Averkamp, Marseilles, Ill, Nick (Tiffany) Kopplin, Jared (Ashley Bachim) Blaschka, Brett (Keri) Blaschka, Andy (Jacqueline Lowrey) Wells all of Marshall, WI., Ben (Dennille Wilke) Weber, Tony Weber of Waterloo, WI , Chris (Kristine) Wells, Deerfield, WI., Mandy Sylvia, Marshall, WI., Angie Sylvia, Madison, WI. Great Grandchildren: Hilary, Trisha, Sarah, Noah and Elani Hanefeld of Markesan, WI., Weston and Trenton Averkamp of Marseilles, IL., Logan and Bella Kopplin of Marshall, WI., Blake Blaschka of Marshall, WI., Adreianna Thorp and Aubreigh Sylvia, Marshall, WI. Sister in law Wanda Kuhle of Marshall, an exceptional niece Gwendolyn Scott of Miami, Florida and numerous other nieces and nephews from the Janesville and Beloit area and his special Mill cat Blackie. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Loretta on Nov 21, 2005, his parents, Albert Blaschka (half brother) Wilmar Blaschka (nephew),Stanley Fisher (brother in law), Russell Hanefeld (son in law), Bertha Fisher (sister), Catherine Weber (daughter), Kim Sylva (daughter in law), Walter Scott (nephew in law). The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Father Jorge Miramontes, the very compassionate staff at Agrace Hospice Care and their volunteers and all the caregivers who gave our dad lots of love and tender loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to a charity of ones choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday September 8, 2013 at 4 PM at Holy Family Parish-Marshall Campus with Father Jorge Miramontes celebrating. Burial with Military Rites will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may call on Sunday September 8th at the church from 12:30 PM to 4 PM. A luncheon will follow the graveside service in the church hall. Online condolences may be left at svfuneralhome.com. Hart-Vick Funeral Home of Marshall is serving the family.