LaVerne Edward Blaschke, 91, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 14, 2021. He was, and still is, one of God's special gifts to all who had the opportunity to know him. He is definitely being missed.

Vern was born July 26, 1929 in Fredericksburg, Iowa to Herbert and Mae Cosby Blaschke. He was a graduate of Sumner Iowa High School. In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart MaryLu DeLaHunt. She preceded him in death in 2000. Also preceding him in death was an infant son William Blaschke, brothers Lee, Arthur, and Orville, daughter-in-law Delta Blaschke, granddaughter-in-law Debra Blaschke, grandson George Eric (Chip) Blaschke, and beloved friend and companion Patty Brooks.

Vern loved many things throughout his life including playing high school basketball, running 10Ks, swimming, water skiing, biking, golfing, and attending Notre Dame games. His summers for 35 years were spent fishing Lake Erie in the Walleye Capital of the World. A special time each fall was his annual fish fry at his home cooking walleye for 60+ friends.

Vern was very proud of all his children and grandchildren. He often gave them advice and helped them with their projects.

Vern loved to play cards and dominoes with his friends in Pharr, Texas where he spent 28 winters. He also loved dancing with his dear friend Patty.

Vern was a kind and generous man. He was known for his love for family, loyalty to friends, good- humored personality, and frequent shenanigans. For his 90 th birthday party, over 120 friends and family traveled from 8 states to celebrate this great man.

For over 60 years, Vern called St. Mark Missionary Church his home. He was there from the origination of the church and helped build and strengthen it to what it is now. He especially enjoyed driving the church bus to pick up and drive neighborhood kids to church.

Survived by and left to cherish memories of their amazing father are Robert Blaschke of Mishawaka, IN, Connie (Robert) Mead of Chicago, IL, Susanna (Gary) Stone of Granger, IN, and Kenneth (Christine) Blaschke of Granger, IN. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, William, Louis, Heather, Jim, Erik, Sean, Leota, and Katelyn, 11 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Grace Hospice team headed by nurse Rhonda Gibson, who were a tremendous reassuring help for both Vern and his family in his final weeks. And special thanks to Vonnie with Home is Where the Heart Is Home Care for the excellent, compassionate care for Vern when family needed help.

Visitation will be at 12:30 pm and a memorial service at 1:00 Saturday, March 13 at St. Mark Missionary Church and also livestreamed through a "Dad's memorial service" link on Sue Blaschke Stone's Facebook page. An ice cream and cookie reception will follow to honor Vern's love for ice cream. A private internment service will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Vern's honor to St. Mark Missionary Church, 55240 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to Grace Hospice, 5838 W. Brick Road, Suite 101, South Bend, IN 46628.