Leonard J. Blaschko

Leonard Joseph Blaschko, 88, of Henderson, MN passed away peacefully into the arms of our loving Father on Sunday, May 4, 2014 at the Benedictine Living Community in St. Peter. He was born on January 12, 1926 in Le Center, MN to Joe and Nora (Frassel) Blaschko. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Henderson. Fr. Sam Perez will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kolden Funeral Home in Henderson and will continue at the funeral home on Friday morning from 8:00 to 10:15 a.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Center. Leonard was in the newspaper and printing business for a total of 52 years. He was employed at the Le Center Leader for many years before becoming the editor for the Henderson Independent on April 1, 1960. Leonard enjoyed horses, playing Pfeffer, being with family and always had a twinkle in his eye and a witty remark for everyone he met. Leonard was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post #74 since 1961. He proudly served his country in the National Guard and was called up to active duty and served statewide at Camp Rucker, Alabama in 1951 and 1952 during the Korean Conflict. He was also a proud and dedicated promoter of the City of Henderson. He served as chairman of the Red Cross relief effort during the 1965 flood that threatened Henderson. He served on the Henderson City Council, was a member of the planning and zoning commission, a member of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and was a charter and former member of the Henderson Lions Club. He served as President and Secretary of the Henderson Booster Club for several years and enjoyed over 25 years serving on the Sibley County Fair Board Association. He was also a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church and the Catholic Foresters. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley (Hoffman) Blaschko whom he loved and was dedicated to; children, Russell (Debbie) of Mankato, Curt (Cheryl) of Henderson, Renee (Ed) Berger of Henderson and Chris (Laurie) of New Prague; 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Barb (Jim) Brandt of Le Center and Helen (John) Percevich of Lead, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Janice (George) Welcke of Le Center and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nora (Frassel) Blaschko; brothers, Harry, Vernie, Donnie and Ralph and sisters, Delores Erkel, Delora Schaunessy and most recently, Eileen Factor.