Laura Mae Blaska, age 90, died December 3rd, 2016 at Prairie Gardens Assisted Living Facility
Laura was born on April 2, 1926 in Waunakee, WI. She was the second oldest of five children.
Her parents were Margaret (Maly) and Constance Klein. Laura graduated from Waunakee High
School and excelled in typing and shorthand. After passing the Civil Service stenographer test, she began working for the United States Armed Forces Institute, located on the square in
Madison. Laura was quickly promoted and responsible for twenty girls who reported to her. Her assignment with USAFI involved helping servicemen find ways to complete their education.
Laura married Gregory Blaska on September 11, 1948. She worked until the birth of their first son John and returned to work after their youngest son Barry started Junior High. Laura was employed as the manager of Peck and Peck in East Towne Mall for 10 years and retired at age
65.
Not one to sit idle, Laura's love of Christmas inspired a Santa making business. Answering a plea from her daughter-in-law to help fill a booth at the Sacred Hearts craft fair, Laura created one-of-a-kind Santas and sold her first Santa for $300. She also made over 260 fence posts
Santas, Santa sweatshirts, ornaments, and more. Whatever she touched was artistic and beautifully made. She wouldn't know how to do anything less.
Laura was involved as a volunteer for the World Dairy Expo from it's conception until her husband Greg passed away. Laura was a member of St. Anne's Society and The Catholic Order of Foresters. Laura played bridge for over 60 years and enjoyed the company of many friends.
Above all, Laura was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Laura is survived by her children John (Deb Blaska) Marshall, Jeff (Margaret Blaska) Lodi,
Margaret (Jeff Howe) Chicago, IL, and Barry Blaska, Madison; by her eleven grandchildren
Rebecca Antil, Jessica Blaska Grady, John Matthew Blaska, Laura Lynn, Gregory, Katie and
Benjamin Blaska, Emily Fahey and Mallory, Melissa, and Joseph Howe. Great grandchildren include Alex and Ashton, Ellie and Lucie, Alina and Johnny, Jack and Gus, and baby Dylan.
Laura is survived by her sisters Lucille Acker, Margaret (Joe) Meier, Virginia Buhler, and many nieces and nephews.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Greg, her brother, Tony Klein, sisters in-law, Dottie Klein, Evelyn Owens, Burdette Blaska, Lila Blaska, Dolly Blaska, and Elaine
Wood; brothers-in-law Paul Acker, Don Buhler, Cy Blaska, John Blaska, and Jerome Blaska.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Laura at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, on Friday, December 9, 2016. At 11:30 a.m. A visitation will be from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the church on Friday. Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt will preside.
A reception lunch will be offered at 1:00 in the lower level of the church,
following internment at Sacred Hearts Cemetery.
Memorial donation suggestions include Sacred Hearts Endowment Fund and AGrace Hospice.

Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com