Kenneth J Blaschke

Kenneth Blaschke, just short of his 98th birthday, entered peacefully into eternal rest on November 2, 2023. He was born in Rhineland, Texas on December 6, 1925, to Joseph and Faustina Urbanzyck Blaschke. He was the oldest of eight children. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division. He met his wife, Stella Etzkorn of Subiaco, AR on a blind date. They married on October 18, 1952 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith, AR. Together they raised five children. He was a carpenter by trade and worked for many years for Carl Miller Construction Company. Upon retiring, he worked for Armbruster Stageway creating specialty consoles for limousines. Then, he worked as a handyman for St. Boniface Church and for many of their parishioners. He enjoyed growing a large vegetable garden, working crossword puzzles, and tinkering at his workbench. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a caring, compassionate man with a good sense of humor. He was a man of faith who found consolation in going to daily Mass and praying the rosary. He dearly loved his family and their visits. He would especially come to life when he was around his great-grandchildren.

Kenneth is survived by his five children, Charles Blaschke and wife Frankie of Lavaca AR, Carolyn Bartsch and husband Ted of Springdale, AR, Keith Blaschke and wife, Rita, of Duncan, OK, Elaine Howell of Fort Smith, AR. and Ken Blaschke, Jr. of Fort Smith, AR.; 12 grandchildren, Ben and Andrew Blaschke, Becky Nutt, Jill Gentry, and Leslie Massey, Sarah Owsik, Alicia Sisti, John, Kenneth, and Robert Blaschke, Kyle Howell and Emily Meador; 26 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. He is survived by three sisters, Geraldine Schluterman, Adelie Schluterman, and Jodi Blaschke and two brothers, Leonard Blaschke and Ronald Blaschke. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Faustina Blaschke, his loving wife, Stella, to whom he was married for 62 years, his brother, Clayton Blaschke, and his sister, Arlene Schluterman. and son-in-law, Keith Howell.

Rosary will be said on Sunday November 5, 2023 at 6:30 PM, in St. Boniface Catholic Church. Mass will be said on Monday at 10:30 AM in St. Boniface Catholic Church with burial to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the rosary, from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at the church.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be his granddaughters.

The family wishes to thank the staff and those who were a part of his seven years at Mercy Crest, especially Sr. Mary Sarto Gaffney, and the caring compassionate staff at Greenhurst Nursing Facility in Charleston where he lived for the past four months and Heart of Hospice.

Memorials may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1820 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or St. Scholastica Convent, 1315 South Albert Pike, Fort Smith, AR, 72903.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com