Bernard Blaser

Bernard L. "Bernie" Blaser, 65, of Bloomington, Ill., died March 28, 2008, at his residence. His funeral was April 1, 2008, at East White Oak Bible Church, rural Carlock, Ill., with Dr. Jeffrey J. Van Goethem officiating. Burial was at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, with military graveside rites by Carl S. Martin Post 635 American Legion of Normal, Ill. Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington was in charge of arrangements. Memorial gifts may be made to East White Oak Bible Church, Moose Charities or Community Cancer Center in Normal. Mr. Blaser was born Jan. 4, 1943, in Des Moines, a son of Paul Matthew and Idema Ocia Ries Blaser. He married Sandria Sue Scott on Nov. 28, 1964, at Des Moines. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Amber Kay and Kevin Jones and Tami Marie and Jean Jackman, of Bloomington, and Meri Ann and John Jones of Quantico, Va.; six grandchildren, Logan, Lindsay, Lauren, Larissa, Emily and Jacob Jones; a sister, Leora and Marvin Keller of Murray. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Paul Blaser. Mr. Blaser was a veteran, having served with U.S. Army Airborne. He was a member of East White Oak Bible Church, Moose Lodge 745 in Bloomington, Lodge 43 AF and AM and Carl S. Martin Post 635 American Legion. Mr. Blaser formerly worked as a welder for John Deere Co. at Ankeny. After moving to Bloomington, he worked for a time at Corn Belt Auto Parts and later co-owned B & D Automotive in Bloomington. He most recently worked for Nicor Gas Co. He retired in 2000 after 22 years. His pastime enjoyments included woodworking, fishing and especially spending time with his grandchildren.