Claudette Lavon Blaisdell

Claudette (McMillen) Blaisdell, age 80, of Elk River, MN, died peacefully on January 21, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, John Blaisdell, her parents, Harry and Claudine McMillen, her brother, Barry McMillen, and her sister, Georgia Kruse.

She is survived by her daughters Mary Blaisdell (Galen Auch) and Laura Chambers (Shane); grandchildren Gerrit Hodd, Kimberly Pobuda, John Chambers-Dunn (Shea Dunn), David Hodd (Amy), Michael Chambers (Nate Thompson), Katie Chambers, and Carina Hodd. Great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Claudette was born in Park Rapids, MN on September 1, 1943 to Harry and Claudine McMillen. Since Harry was in Europe during that time, in World War II, she didn’t meet her father until she was two years old. Shortly after, Claudette became big sister to Barry and Georgia. Thereafter she was referred to as “Sis.” After high school graduation, Claudette moved to Minneapolis and worked for AAA Insurance Company. During that time, she met the love of her life, John Blaisdell. After a short courtship, they married in April of 1962. Mary came along in 1963, with Laura following in 1965. The family lived in Duluth, Minnesota until 1975, when they moved to Blaine, Minnesota. Claudette had a special talent for sewing, and made many dresses, quilts and hand stitched gifts for family and friends.

Both John and Claudette eventually worked for the University of Minnesota in the Physical Plant. Claudette retired from the U of M in 2000. She enjoyed traveling with John and watching her grandchildren grow up. In 2002 they moved to Elk River, and settled into retirement. John passed away in 2011. A few years later, Claudette moved to a senior living apartment community, where she made many friends. She lived there until 2023, when her health caused her to move into assisted living at Guardian Angels by the Lake.

Claudette’s family would like to express gratitude to all of her friends at Trout Brook, Pullman Place and Guardian Angels by the Lake.

Memorial service 2 PM, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Chapel, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd. Minneapolis. Visitation beginning at 1 PM. Memorials preferred to Guardian Angels Senior Services.