| Notes |
- Leila I. Blajeski, 84, passed away at Hilltop Assisted Living in Wisconsin Rapids, where she had been a resident since August. Leila was born on December 1, 1925, in the Town of Pine River (Merrill), the daughter of William and Anna (Frick) Boerschel. She graduated from Merrill High School in 1944 and pursued a B. S. degree in Home Economics Education at the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1948. Leila returned to Madison, attaining a Master of Science - Home Economics Education degree in August 1969.
Leila served as an extension home economist and taught briefly in Luxemburg before becoming a Home Economics teacher at Kaukauna High School. She met and married William Blajeski at St. Stephen's United Church of Christ in Merrill, on August 7, 1954. They shared 53 years of marriage until William's death in 2008.
A lifelong learner, Lee flourished in 4-H as a preteen, showing champion sheep and fashioning award-winning garments. Serving as a vocational and high school instructor "Mrs. B" engaged students in pursuits of clothing construction, food preparation, and consumer education. Lee was expert in crafting Courtier garments for special occasions, from dances at Camp Randall to wedding gowns. She relished in the creation of a perfect lemon meringue or pumpkin chiffon pie for Thanksgiving. Leila maintained Life Memberships in the National Education Association and Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Whether Brewers baseball, Packer football, or anything Wisconsin Badger, Leila rooted for the home team, wearing team colors on game day. Upon retirement she enjoyed auctions with her husband, and traveled the Midwest in search of clandestine members of the family tree. Family gatherings would find "Aunt Lee" entertaining listeners with the latest discovery. Her sweet tooth meant there was chocolate and caramel candy in the cupboard, and cranberry supreme ice cream in the freezer. She always left a light on for children returning home, and never ceased to bid them farewell with a wave in the window. After her husband's death, Leila patiently waited for Bill to come and take her home.
Leila is survived by her daughter Pamela (Ryan) Walker of Wisconsin Rapids, and her son Scott (Midge Klein) Blajeski of Atlanta, Georgia. She is further survived by grandchildren Andrew (Hannah Stewart) Walker, Tyler (Danielle Zolnik) Walker and great-grandson Liam Zolnik-Walker, all of Wisconsin Rapids. Leila is also survived by brother-in-law Thomas (Carol) Blajeski of Kaukauna, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband William and daughter Lynn; her parents; her brother, Gerald (Regina) Boerschel; sisters Berniece (Herman) Radloff; and Delores; William's parents, Walter (Mary) Blajeski; her sister-in-law, Blanche (Ed) Jirikowic; brothers-in-law, Randy (Dody) Blajeski, Jack (Harriet) Blajeski; and niece, Mary Jirikowic.
The family would like to thank Dr. Orlando Taleon, Home Helpers, Heartland Hospice, and Heartwood Home of Appleton; and Dr. Craig Flinders, Ministry Care Hospice, and especially the caring staff at Hilltop Assisted Living in Wisconsin Rapids.
A memorial service is planned for late fall in Kaukauna. Boettcher Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In Lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in her name.
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1925 - 2010 (84 years)
