Alfred Gus Blaschke

Alfred Gus Blaschke, age 90, of Ross, passed away early Friday morning, January 8, 2010 at his residence. Private family funeral services will be held at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with Pastor Mark Griffin officiating. Mr. Blaschke was born on April 18, 1919 in Ross, the son of Charles F. and Augusta (Willig) Blaschke. He attended schools in West and Ross. In service to his country, he joined the United States Army and served with the 36th Division and 143rd Infantry until he was honorably discharged. On November 21, 1942, he was united in marriage to Irma Martha Lander in Gerald. Alfred worked at General Tire & Rubber Company for over thirty years and was a farmer until his retirement in 1980. He and Irma owned and operated the Ross Road Antiques and West Antiques for over forty years. Alfred loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed restoring antique furniture, gardening and teaching his grandchildren to play dominoes. He was a member of First United Church in West. He was also a member of American Legion in Waco and served on the Ross School Board for over fifteen years. Alfred was known as a kind and gentle man; a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was honest, hard working and respected by all who knew him. He fought long and hard through his illness and never gave up hope. Memories of Alfred will be cherished by all who knew him and his imprint on our lives will always be in our hearts. He will be missed and loved forever. Alfred is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Blaschke; and two brothers, Freddie Blaschke and Lloyd Blaschke. Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Irma Blaschke of Ross; a son, Ronald Blaschke and his wife Jackie of Columbus, Georgia; a daughter, Linda Griffin and her husband Lynn of China Spring; a brother, Herbert Blaschke and wife Geraldine of Waco; six grandchildren, Lisa Lavallee and husband Keith of Columbus, Georgia, Ronald Blaschke Jr. and wife Billi of Opelica, Alabama, Troy Blaschke and wife Corinna of Tucson, Arizona, Matt Blaschke and wife Monica of Maricopa, Arizona, Sheila Nolan and husband Matt of Hurst, and Evie Johnson of Waco; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hillcrest Community Hospice.