Donald Oliver Blazek was born on April 12, 1937 to the late Henry and Lyla (Wikstrom) Blazek in Skagen Township in Roseau, County. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenbush. Don attended school in Greenbush, MN where he met his future wife, Phyllis Taus.
After graduating from High School, Don followed her to Minneapolis.
Shortly after that he married Phyllis, the love of his life, on July 6, 1957 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenbush. The two eventually purchased a home in Blaine, MN and after 10 years, moved back to Don’s family farm in Greenbush. They were there for a year before moving to Badger, where Don managed the municipal liquor store for several years. He and Phyllis managed the Badger Café for 3 years. He also ran a garbage route and drove school bus for the Badger School. He then purchased the municipal liquor store in Middle River in 1972 which he renamed the “Wagon Wheel”. A short time later, he built their dream home. They made their home in the Middle River community for 48 years. He owned and operated the “Wheel” for 12 years.
In 1978, Don & Vernie Peterson built “The Meadowbrook Ballroom” and they operated that for a few years before Vernie took it over. He and Phyllis eventually took over and ran the cafeteria at Northern Pride Turkey Plant for 7 years. Afterwards, Don drove bus for the Greenbush-Middle River School District for many years before finally retiring. He loved the children and referred to them as being ‘many different types of flowers that together made a beautiful bouquet’.
Don passed away at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Brainerd on August 2, 2023 at the age of 86 years 3 months and 21 days.
Don was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middle River where he was very active serving on committees. He participated in bible studies and taught religion classes with Phyllis. He was a wonderful Lector and served in that ministry for many years. His voice rang loud a clear proclaiming God’s word. He was passionate about his love for Jesus, lived his faith to the fullest and was never afraid to share it with anyone. He loved gardening, both vegetables and flowers but flowers were his favorite. The pretty flowers and gardens they had in their yard in Middle River were a joy to him. Don loved his family dearly and would often shed tears of joy at the table during the holiday meals. He loved hunting and fishing, especially with his family. Hunting season was the next biggest holiday to Christmas. They built a hunting cabin and the last day of hunting season was like Thanksgiving.
Don was a terrific story teller. His laugh was contagious and facial expressions were entertaining. Don always had a project going and the next one in his head ready to start as soon as he completed the one he was working on. He and Phyllis loved to travel and took many trips, both in the United States and abroad. They loved dancing and were a joy to watch together on the dance floor. They are now dancing together in God’s presence in heaven.
He is survived by his children Lynn (Ron) Nelson of Wood Lake, MN, Kim Blazek of Baxter, MN, Kenny (Tammy) Blazek of Brainerd, MN, Patti (Terry) Peterson of Thief River Falls, MN, Tom (Melissa) Blazek of Aitkin, MN, David (Lynette) Blazek of Greenbush, MN; 16 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren; 3 sisters: Marion Dale of Hoyt Lakes, MN, Phyllis (Lyle) Ellenson of Badger, MN, and Janet (Keith) Burkel of Greenbush, MN.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis, 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, August 12, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Church in Middle River with Fr. George Noel presiding. Visitation will be held at 5 pm, Friday, August 11th with the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Rosary held at 6:30 pm followed by the 7pm Prayer Service at the church. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to services at the church. Interment services will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Middle River following the services.
Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Middle River.
An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com
