Richard L. Blase

Nov. 17, 1950--Nov. 11, 2005

GOTHENBURG -- Richard L. Blase, 54, Nebraska Funeral Director of Gothenburg, died on Friday, Nov. 11, 2005, at his home.

Rick was born on Nov. 17, 1950, at Stromsburg to Harold and Shirley (Thomas) Blase. He grew up on the family farm near Hordville and attended Hordville High School, graduating in 1969.

In 1972 he married Karla Shoup and they lived in Lincoln before moving to Gothenburg in 1977 to manage McVay Memorial Chapel. On May 16, 1987, he married Sherri L. Garrat in Gothenburg. She preceded him in death Oct. 10, 2002.

In 1994, Rick and Sherri purchased the funeral home and began operating it as Blase Memorial Chapel. In 2000, they purchased Blase-Wetzel Funeral Home in Curtis. Rick served as mayor of Gothenburg from 1990 to 1998, the President of Nebraska Funeral Directors Association from 1999 to 2000, a member of the Gothenburg Rotary Club, Wildhorse Golf Club, Community Playhouse (acting and directing) and the American Lutheran Church. He loved golf, 4th of July fireworks, reading and Nebraska basketball. He was an avid collector of Rock and Roll records, enjoyed Civil War history and classic cars, especially his 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible.

Survivors include three daughters, Jill and husband, Joel Loos of Ashland, Terri Blase of Chicago, Ill., and Samantha Blase of Gothenburg; parents, Harold and Shirley Blase of Central City; mother- and father-in-law, Arnold and Creta Garret of Gothenburg; one sister, Sandy and husband, Duane DeMers of Hordville; brothers, Bob and wife, Avis Blase of Polk, Randy and wife, Jan Blase of Central City and Rod and wife, Cindy Blase of Hordville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri and grandparents.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, 1 p.m., at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg with Lonna Grabenstein, Parish Ministry Associate, and the Rev. Matt Coplen officiating. Burial will be at the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Visitation is today, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with family present Tuesday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., to greet friends.

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church Sanctuary Renovation, Sun Theater, Gothenburg Library or the donor's choice.