Michael Blasco Obituary

Michael Blasco finished his life’s journey on August 20, 2023, at his home under the care of hospice when our Lord called him home. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with Fr. Fred Harvey celebrating. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Knights of Columbus rosary and parish vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Michael (Mike) R. Blasco was born August 18, 1931, on the southwest outskirts of Chicago, IL. He was the youngest of seven surviving children born to the Italian immigrants, Carmelo and Sadie (Vanerio) Blasco. He was raised and educated in Illinois until 1950 when he enlisted in the US Air Force. After boot camp (1951), he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Peto. He was then stationed at the airbase in Cheyenne, WY for further training. His next assignment was to George Air Base, Victorville, CA. In September of 1951, he was transferred to the airbase in Honshu to provide mechanical and fueling services to the troops during the Korean War. During these years, Mike and his wife, Jean, welcomed their four children: Michael, Marcella, Thomas, and Mark. In 1954, after completing his military service, he continued honing his aircraft skills by attending an 18-month training program at Northrup Aeronautical Institute where he earned his civil Aeronautical (A&E) Certificate. At the same time, he began his 40-year career at the United Airlines. Beginning as a mechanic, he advanced to the positions of maintenance controller, inspections, and corporate quality assurance. During his time with the airlines, he served in Los Angeles, Omaha, and San Francisco. In May of 1991, Jean passed away. Grief support advised Mike to become involved with outside groups, so he became involved in church activities. It was here that he attended a seminar and met Marianne Schaff. In the months that followed, their love grew and they were married on September 12, 1992, in Belmont, CA. Mike always said he felt blessed the way Marianne accepted his family and the way his children accepted her. His family grew with the births of 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. In 2001, Mike and Marianne decided to leave California and move to Mandan. During his time of retirement, Mike picked up a variety of part-time jobs. He worked at McDonalds, the Radisson Hotel as a bellman, and Puklich Chevrolet as a courtesy driver. He enjoyed meeting the people and being helpful. A couple of his favorite phrases were: "Let me help you" and "What do you need?". For many years, he was the most reliable altar server at Christ the King and got the nickname "Mr. Volunteer". Also, after moving to Mandan, he joined the military honor guard. Providing military honors for those men and women who served our country was a joy for him. Mike was a member of the American Legion Post 40, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, and the Knights of Columbus. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Marianne; daughter, Marcella; sons, Michael (Christina) Blasco, Thomas Blasco, and Mark (Connie) Blasco; his brother, Joseph; and his 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Carmelo and Sadie; his wife, Jean; sister, Mary; and brothers, Peter (Helen), John (Nan), Sam (Margaret), and Santo (Florence); sister-in-law, Ann; son-in-law, Danny; and great-grandchild, Elizabeth (Lily). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Christ the King Catholic Church of Mandan, the University of Mary, or the Diocese of Bismarck-Michael & Marianne Blasco Seminarian Fund.