Francis Anthony Blaschka

How do you tell the story of a life well loved? Frank was born in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the 8th of 10 children born to Leo and Angeline Blaschka nee Stibre. His first years were spent on Waterloo Farm until 1934 when the family traveled by train to Seattle, WA, to start a new life after losing everything from drought and the Great Depression.

The family lived in Seattle where Frank graduated from O’Dea Catholic High School and Seattle University. Dad enlisted in the Navy March of 1951, attending Naval schools in Florida and Tennessee. He was stationed at Naval Air Station Mira Mar, assigned to the USS Kearsarge as an Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer Third Class. He received the Good Conduct and The National Defense Service Medals. He was honorably discharged March 1955.

Returning to Seattle, he began a long career in the grocery industry. At a grocery store in Seattle, he met the love of his life, Irma Loraine Rebhahn. The two were married June 20,1959. They settled in Seattle and raised 6 children. Greg, Kim, Frank L., Damian, Mike and Mary.

In 1969 the family moved to Medford, OR, where Frank began a career as a salesperson with Hunt-Wesson Foods. He traveled Southern Oregon calling on grocery stores and making friends wherever he went. He was a welcomed guest in every store and town he visited. On school breaks, he took turns taking one or two kids along with him on work trips out of town. Many memories are shared of “travels with dad”! His kindness and compassion for those less fortunate never faded. Often, we would find a stranger at the dinner table whom dad had found hitchhiking and in need of a hot meal.

Dad was above all, a devout family man and faithful Catholic. His faith in God guided his conscience and dedication to his family. Dad made life an adventure, camping trips to the mountains or in the backyard, scary stories by the fireplace, collecting rocks by the roadside and road trips to explore wherever. Our dad was never without a smile or a corny dad joke. He thoughtfully wrote the best cards to his family and relatives. His example of love, kindness and laughter was lived every day of his life. As he felt his journey coming to an end, his concern was the welfare of Irma, who lives with dementia. After receiving anointing and the Holy Eucharist and knowing that Irma was well cared for, he released his soul to God.

Our family is grateful to the compassionate caregivers at Prestige Arbor Place and especially to our brother Mike who selflessly advocates and cares for both parents. You did well Mike, be proud.

Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Irma, brother Jordan, children Greg, Kim O’Gara (Steve), Damian Blaschka (Carol), Mike Blaschka (Kelly) and Mary Blaschka (Glidden), daughter in law Anne Blaschka, 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by son Frank L., who passed in 2007 and son in law Joe Glidden who passed in 2021. FABulous Frank, that you were. Rejoice with the Lord dad, you live on in our hearts forever.

Funeral Mass to be held May 4th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Medford OR. Interment to follow at VA Cemetery, Eagle Point, OR.