Willard M. Blase

Willard M. Blase, age 84 of Worden, IL, died Monday, August 17, 2015, at Christian Hospital NE-BJC in Saint Louis, MO. He was born on Tuesday, January 27, 1931, the son of Martin and Erna (nee Slushelman) Blase. Survivors include:Daughters Cindy (Fritz Ferrante) Blase and Linda (Daniel) Brantley, Sons Jim (Lynn) Blase, and Gary (Maria Faviana) Blase Grandchildren: Kim (Matt) McMullan, Alex Blase, Margerite Blase, Olivia Blase, Mariah Blase Sister: Martha Willmore He was preceded in death by his Father Martin Carl Blase, Mother Erna Blase, nee Slushelman Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Edwardsville, IL. Funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with Rev. John Shank, Senior Pastor, officiating. All are invited to join in the Church Fellowship Hall for a meal and happy stories about Willard 4:30 to 6:30pm A private internment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice. Willard served in the Navy 1951-55 on the USS McGowen. Willard loved telling stories of these years in the Navy. He was in agriculture with his father for 5 years and took over farm operations after Martin retired. He served on many boards and committees: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Metro East Lutheran HS, University of IL, DHI, Hamel Coop, Mid AM, and belonged to the American Legion in Hamel and Maryville. He spent many hours with friends at Karen's restaurant, Weezy's, telling stories and being entertained by his fellow farmers and their families. Willard was a generous man and stubborn to a fault; he loved a good story, especially when he was telling it; he raised calves gently and yelled loudly at the cows as he milked; he owned an old gun but could never aim it at a living thing; he liked his grass cut and his tractors clean, especially if Pat was doing the work; he liked his books balanced and to spread the wealth, thanks Jo; he helped us kids buy our first cars and taught us to drive on tractors and a very old pick-up; he was a fan of the under dog and bossy to that under dog; he loved Cardinals Baseball and when he could no longer walk into Bush Stadium watched games from his recliner; he played a mean game of pinochle and did pretty great at the game of life.

Willard M. Blase

January 27, 1931 - August 17, 2015