Wayne H. Blaschke

WAUSAU, Wis. - Wayne H. Blaschke, 78, of Lake Gogebic, Mich., passed away peacefully on Dec. 26, 2017, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau.

Wayne was born in Milwaukee on Aug. 9, 1939. He graduated from Boys' Tech and was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was a signal corpsman stationed in Germany. Upon returning, Wayne joined the Milwaukee Fire Department, where he proudly served over 30 years. He retired to beautiful Lake Gogebic, where he enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law and good friend, Mark Whitley.

He was a beloved husband to Deanna (Gilbertson) of Marenisco, Mich., for 55 years, and a devoted father of Darcy (Drew) Randall, of Sussex, Wis., and Roxanne Blaschke (Darryl Wnuk), of West Allis, Wis.

He was a proud grandpa (Papa) of Alex and Claire Birk, and dear brother of Sandra Blaschke and James (Laurie) Blaschke, and is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth (Duchrow) Blaschke, and sisters Carol Borko and Margret Grohall.

Wayne enjoyed watching golf and his beloved Green Bay Packers. Wayne continued his service as a volunteer with the Lake Gogebic Fire Department.

Wayne and Dee enjoyed spending winters in Mexico, traveling the country, and making many friends along the way.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Schaff Funeral Home, 5920 W. Lincoln Ave., West Allis. Service will be at 4 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated to the American Legion Post 215. A second memorial will be held in spring at Lake Gogebic.