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Larry Dean Blasing passed away on March 8, 2008, at Presbyterian Hospice. He was born August 8, 1929, in Zeandale, KS. The family moved to Ogden, KS, in the 1930s, and he attended school in Manhattan, KS. After serving in the U.S. Army, Larry returned to Kansas, where he married Rose Marie Weber. Together, they have seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a railroad conductor for 43 years. In 1991, he retired and moved to Albuquerque, where he enthusiastically pursued his love of golf, hiking, gardening and bird-watching. After battling back from a debilitating stroke in 1994, Larry hit the road in his motorhome and traveled most of the country, including Alaska. He was often joined by his sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Eldon Dyer. Slowing down due to his health, Larry settled in at his beloved "bunkhouse" in downtown Albuquerque, where he became friends with many of his neighbors, including his best friend and companion, Mary Stratman. He volunteered at the VA Hospital, Rio Grande Nature Center, Biopark, and NM Museum of Natural History. Larry battled melanoma for over two years, never complaining, never losing his love of life. As was his lifelong habit, Larry left on his final trip just before sunrise. He is survived by his children, Becky Westmoreland and Johnny Barker, Nipomo, CA; Steve and Sharman Blasing, Kansas City, MO; Ron and Janice Blasing, Albuquerque, NM; Caryl and Scotty Sheahan, Herington, KS; Cathy and Dan Ruark, Herington, KS; Phyllis and Randy Holle, Hutchinson, KS; and Bill and Gina Blasing, Wichita, KS; as well as their mother, Rose Marie Blasing, Topeka, KS. Larry is also survived by his siblings, Cecilia and Paul Reznicek, Littleton, CO; Mary Kay Walsh, Streamwood, IL; Dale Blasing, Holton, KS; Patricia Simon, Manhattan, KS; and Dorothy and Eldon Dyer, Manhattan, KS. A Memorial Service will be held March 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan, KS. A Funeral Mass will be held on March 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ogden, KS. Burial with military honors will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetary, Zeandale, KS, near the farmhouse where Larry was born.
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