Jim Blasing, 74

Jimmy Dale Blasing, 74, Kensington, passed away Monday, March 4, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born March 14, 1938 in York County, Thayer, Nebraska, to Edward August and Beulah Maude (Brown) Blasing. His family moved from Nebraska to Herman, Minnesota, when Jim was a baby. Jim’s mother passed away when he was only 4 years old.

Jim attended school in Herman and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Cyrus at the age of 18. He entered the Army National Guard in 1956 and received an honorable discharge in 1964, holding the rank of sergeant E5.

On June 6, 1959, he was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Swenson. Three daughters were born to this union. Jim and Sandy celebrated 53 years of marriage in June 2012.

He began driving truck over the road for Farmer’s Elevator in 1964. He also drove for E.W. Wylie, Midwest Coast and Hancock Concrete. In 1984, Jim went back to driving for Farmer’s Elevator until retiring in 2005. After two years of retirement, Jim returned to driving truck for Wes-Con until November of 2012. Throughout his career, Jim traveled through all of the lower 48 states and into Canada, as well.

Jim was a member of Kensington Legion Post 268. Under the supervision of the late Commander Virgil Anderson, he was appointed to form the color guard. He also served as fire chief from 1979 to 1982.

He enjoyed cooking. His specialty was pork roast on the grill, which his family and friends enjoyed. Jim also enjoyed his many trips to Alaska to visit his daughter and her family. Jim played many card games and Rummikub with his in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maxine; three brothers, Harold, Marvin and Donald; sisters-in-law, Helen Blasing and Maxine Blasing; and his father- and mother-in-law. Alice Swenson was the only mother Jim knew, and he loved her very much.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy, of Kensington; daughters, Debralee (Dean) Maanum of Fergus Falls, Nancy (Wade) Lueck of Brandon and Karen (Rod) Odenthal of Wasilla, Alaska; 14 grandchildren, Dustin Maanum of Fergus Falls, Ryan (Nicki) Maanum of Fargo, ND, Heather (James) Jacobs of Alexandria, Elsa (Josh Wahl) Maanum of Fargo, Crystal, Michael, Destiny, William, Leah, Elijah and Lily Maanum of Fergus Falls, Royce Lueck of Brandon, Breanna Lueck of Park Rapids and Casandra Gulsvig of Wasilla; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, March 11 at 2 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Kensington with the Rev. Kathryn Rothman officiating. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Burial at First Lutheran Cemetery will take place in the spring.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.EricksonSmithFH.com.

Arrangements are with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman.

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