Obituary of Jerome A. Blazevic

Jerome A. Blazevic Jerome A. Blazevic, of New Duluth completed this life on Monday, August 21, 2017 after 91 years of selfless service to inestimable numbers of people and the nation. He was born on August 25, 1925 to Victor and Agnes (Kreminski) Blazevic, the third child in his family. A lifelong resident of New Duluth (with a few childhood years in Gary), he attended Stowe and Denfeld Schools, graduating from Cathedral in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 10 1945 and was trained as an infantryman. Though he arrived in Europe after the end of hostilities, Jerome volunteered to serve an additional 18 months. His notable duties included driving lawyers to the Nuremburg Trials from his station in Bremerhaven. An interesting sideline to his duty was the occasions when he gave rides to Jews trying to return to the new Israeli Nation. After his return, he worked as a foreman at Diamond Tool and Horseshoe until 1954 when he joined the 148th Fighter Wing as a Medical Technician, until his retirement in1985. Jerome was asked to provide his expertise at the Pentagon and NCO Academy. During these years of service he excelled in all duties he was assigned. Retiring after 33 years of military service, Jerome continued his patriotic duties serving at many Nationl Guard Youth Camps and as coordinator for numerous Memorial Day services, parades and Veteran's Day activities. He was a member of the American Legion and has prepared omelets for thousands during their fundraisers. For many years, each spring he served as a fishing guide and assistant to disabled veterans at the Veteran's on the Lake Resort on Fall Lake. Jerome's legacy of service to the country continued through his family. His son's Jerry, David and Timothy each served over 38 years as Minn. Air National Guard Aircraft Maintenance Technicians. Two daughters-in-law, Wendy and Jill, served in the Mn ANG. His grandsons are currently military officers, Ryan is a Major in the Mn ANG, Evan is an Air Force Academy graduate and pilot and Rory is a Technical Sgt. In the 148th FW. Two of his grandson's wives are National Guard Officers, Mistica is a Major in the Army National Guard and Katelyn is a Captain in the 133rd Airlift Wing. Jerome's love of the outdoors, nature and people shaped his future from his youth. His Boy Scouting as a youth continued, and he served as Scoutmaster for Troop 13 for 30 years. He influenced many lives local, national and international level as a Scout leader. With the efforts of troop members, he ensured that the Boy Scout Landing remained open to the public and in good repair at no expense to the public until the city took over in the late 80's. He was an active swim instructor from the 60's until 2012, for the American Red Cross at the Good Fellowship Club, Morgan Park and Lincoln Park pools for the Community Schools. Many people learned about our fantastic northland as a result of his canoe and snowshoe classes. Additionally, with many groups, he taught local history about the St. Louis River and other interesting features in the western end of Duluth. He can still be seen regularly on many of his presentations done for several PBS programs. Jerome used his experience as a trapper to teach many about local wildlife, and he was an instructor for the Minnesota Trapper's Association. In 1995, he was selected as the Minnesota Trapper of the Year, for his efforts throughout the state. The City of Duluth recognized him on numerous occasions for his many contributions to civic programs, the most notable was being selected as the 2006 Duluth Hall of Fame recipient. As a lifelong member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Jerome made sure the walks were always clear of snow and ice and served as a Religious Education Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Lector and anywhere else help was needed. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty (Elizabeth Tasky); brothers, Victor, Timothy, Paul John and his sister, Cecelia. Jerome is survived by his sons, Jerome (Cheryl), David (Jill) and Timothy (Wendy); seven grandchildren, Ryan (Julie), Reed (Mistica), Rory (Katelyn), Adam (Tabitha), Erin, Evan (Katie) and Elizabeth; and six great-grandchildren, Abby, Alyssa, Isadora, Bergen, Emma and Everly. He is also survived by brothers, Raymond, David and Clement; sisters, Agnes Jones, Millicent O'Connell Lois Pelander, Monica Rollins and Elizabeth Lincoln; step-sisters, Rosemary Holland-Fleische and Vincenta McKeever. Gathering of family and friends from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Aug., 25th at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 610 99th Ave. West. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior, WI. Military honors will be accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Jerome touched thousands in the many positions in which he served. Memorials will be shared among the many organizations that were important in his unselfish life of service to those around him. Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Chapel.