The Idaho Statesman, 10/3/01

Albert E. "Al" Blaser, 86, of Boise, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2001 in Mesa, Ariz. of natural causes. Dad was born August 11, 1915 in Montpelier, Idaho to Alfred and Emma Blaser. While attending Montpelier High School, he worked for the Examiner where he learned the printing trade. After graduating from the University of Utah, he moved to Caldwell, Idaho where he worked at Caxton Printers and lived with his brother, Roy. Later, he was honored to go to Switzerland to serve an L.D.S. mission in his parent's homeland. After he returned, he met and married Ruth Linnebach in 1940 in the Salt Lake City Temple. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and advanced to Captain while working in Intelligence during WWII. He was proud of his service and has told us many stories of how he helped decode German messages and assist war strategies. After settling down in Boise, he worked as a Building Contractor and built nearly 1700 brick homes in the Treasure Valley. Dad was a very generous man. Throughout his life he touched many lives and lightened others burdens in the community by sharing what he had earned. He willingly gave financial assistance, delivered groceries to persons in need, supported many missionaries, and paid college expenses for several young people who wanted to better themselves. He opened his home to friends and family and kept a ready supply of food, soda, and goodies on hand. He loved to feed anyone who came by the house. Dad's hobbies were his children and grandchildren whom he loved to take with him when he went to work or run errands. The outing usually included a trip to the goodie-store for candy before returning home. While married to Ruth, they had six children, all of Boise, Leon and Teresa Blaser, Herb Blaser, Bruce and Annalee Blaser, Doug and Faye Ewing, Dave and Laura Featherstone, and Jim and Sue Blaser. After Ruth died, he married Kathleen Jensen in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1978. Together they raised eight children, Darren and Kim Blaser, Chris Blaser, of Boise, Clint and Jackie Blaser, Travis and Danielle Blaser, Shalon and Brian Markle, Dalane and Tawnya Blaser, Shurlin and Jef Rawls, of Arizona, and Melanie Blaser, of Los Angeles. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Kathy; 14 children; 52 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; his brother and friend, Glenn Blaser, Boise, Harold Blaser, Sacramento, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. His brothers, Roy and Edward, his sister, Goldie, and his parents preceded him in death. Family members and friends may visit Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Relyea Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 5, 2001 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5900 Castle Drive, Boise. Interment will follow at the Dry Creek Cemetery.