Gerald A. Blasig
August 4, 1946 – September 22, 2024 
On August 4, 1946, John and Ruth Blasig welcomed their third child, Jerry, to the world in Beatrice, Nebraska. Jerry had two older siblings, Edith and Roland. Later, Roy joined the three. Jerry spent most of his younger years in Columbus, Nebraska. He went to a Lutheran school , where his father was the Principal. Jerry was an athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track. There are stories of Jerry running down the basketball court and continuing right up the wall, to the amazement of the fans. Kris learned about this through a co-worker who was originally from Columbus, and was witness to this feat. Jerry tried his hand at babysitting for his niece, Ceci. While she was in his care, she cried. Jerry did not know what to do, so he stopped a stranger walking by and welcomed her into the house to care for his niece. Edith did not ask Jerry for many babysitting gigs.
Jerry attended Wayne State College, where he played football and had too much fun. He and other members of the football team took ballet lessons. On breaks, he would get a ride home from Chuck Hagel, also from Columbus.
Jerry stepped away from collegiate life to join the Marines, and went on to serve in Vietnam. Jerry did not talk much about what he witnessed in Vietnam but was very proud of his time serving our country. Later in life, you often saw him proudly wearing veteran gear.
Once he returned from serving as a Marine, he used the GI Bill to pay for school. He continued his education at UNL and UNO, earning a Bachelor’s Degree.
In 1974, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Judy Frost. Judy had two daughters, Kris and Karen, who were bridesmaids at the wedding. Jerry adopted Kris and Karen shortly after the wedding. He was the best father to them. He even became Karen’s banana tree; she was his monkey, sitting on his shoulders often.
In 1978, Jerry and Judy bought an acreage in Murray, Nebraska. Jerry spent his time caring for the property, the horses (30 at one point), chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, goats, dogs, and cats. Jerry and Judy served as 4-H leaders for the Platt Valley Outlaws for many years. They held many horse shows on the property. Jerry also served on the Cass County Fair Board for several years and finally got approval to build stalls for the horse barn. He and his friends spent many summer evenings at the fairgrounds building those stalls while the kids rode their horses. The horses introduced Jerry to his and Judy’s best friends, Bill and Judy Brown. They played cards all the time.
Jerry worked at Bellevue University for 40 years. His first office was in a “broom closet.” He was known for being the tough guy regarding money; many expense reports were returned throughout the years. Jerry completed his Master’s Degree while working at BU. He retired as VP of Administration at 75, but he went back often to check on how things were going. BU and its people held an extraordinary place in his heart.
In 2006, Jerry became Tyler’s grandpa. Grandpa nicknamed Tyler “Schnigelfritz.” Tyler and Grandpa were extraordinarily close and spent much time together. Dad was always present at Tyler’s activities. He ran the chains at football games and stepped in to coach when Ken was out of town. He witnessed Tyler graduate from Gross Catholic in May 2024.
When Jerry was not working or playing cards, he was always there to help Kris and Karen with whatever they needed. He took his brother-in-law, Sonny, on errands, did projects with his son-in-law Ken, or hung out with his friend, Chris Warner.
Jerry was loved by many and will be missed.
Jerry was preceded in death by wife, Judith A.
Jerry is survived by daughter Kris Grzywa (Ken), grandson Tyler Grzywa, daughter Karen Blasig, sister Edith Heyerhoff, brother Roland (Ellen) Blasig, and brother Roy (Janet) Blasig, as well as many nieces and nephews.
VISITATION: Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 5:00-7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00AM at West Center Chapel
INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.
6 Comments
We are so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. My grandson Taylor Warren was very fond of him and has cried many tears at the news of his illness and now his death. Taylor doesn’t form a strong bond with many people but with your dad he did almost instantly. He would take your dad mushrooms in the spring, Your dad was so gracious to Taylor. He was almost like a grandpa to Taylor, He would spend many hours having conversations with Taylor. In today’s fast paced world it is not often that adults take the time to listen to teenagers. But your dad did and that made him very special to Taylor. Taylor will always hold dear to his heart Gerry and their conversations. He will always be grateful to him for allowing him to walk to his hunting area on his farm. Not many landowner’s greet a young teenager at the door with enthusiasm and an ear to listen. We offer our sincerest condolences at this time of your loss. Forever grateful Taylor P Warren (Paulette Henderson , grandma)
We are so sorry for the loss of Gerry. My son Dylan is Taylor Warren’s friend and hunting buddy. Dylan will always have a special place for Gerry in his heart. Gerry opened his door for two young boys that will always be great full for allowing them to hunt on his land and having conversations with them. I’m glad Gerry made a great impression on two young men. Send lots of prayers to all of you at this very hard time. May God help you all find comfort in this difficult time. I know Dylan and Taylor are heart broken with Gerry’s passing. Dylan gain a great friendship with Gerry. And I hope Gerry knew that. We again send our condolences at this very difficult time of your loss. Forever thankful Dylan Sturm(Daniella Sturm, Dylan’s mom)
Although I haven’t seen Jerry since we worked together in the 1970’s at Industrial Loan and Investment Company, he was fun to work with. There were just four of us when I started working there in January 1973. He helped me learn bookkeeping while working there. He was a very smart guy. I remember his nice green Corvette and how happy he was with Judy and the girls. My husband and I and our kids were invited and went down to Murray to their farm one time. My kids had a fun time there. Coincidentally, just a few days ago, I found a neatly typed recipe card from Mrs. Frost, Judy’s mom. It was her brownie and brownie frosting recipe. It was a favorite, especially the frosting. Although we lost touch, my office years with Jerry are fond memories. Such a wonderful tribute to read about Jerry. He definitely accomplished so much and made a difference to so many. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Dearest Kris and Karen,
Your dad always held a special place in my heart; you girls did as well. My fondest memories of your dad were Jerry carrying our first granddaughter (a few months old) from his office to the Student Center with such love and care. Secondly, rescuing the same little girl (3 yrs. Old) from the Student Center fountain—she was chasing a floating poinsettia and fell in. Jerry took her wet clothes to the gym dryer and came back with a BU sweatshirt to keep her dressed and warmed. I loved your dad; he had so many wonderful facets to his life and offered so much to so many. I know your loss will be deep and painful; I pray for your peace and acceptance. Our prayers to you both, Schnigelfritz and your family.
Our deepest sympathy.
John and Lynn Muller
We are so sorry for your loss
Our prayers are with you and your family
I’m so very sorry for your loss, Kris and Karen. I remember your dad as a straight-shooter and man of integrity. He was down to earth and loved to laugh. He was vital to Bellevue University’s success. I miss him.
With kindest thoughts,
Clif
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