Joseph Michael Blasen Sr.

Joseph Michael Blasen Sr. 85, of Dubuque passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Saint Columbkille Catholic Church with Fr. Tom McDermott officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 Saturday until the time of Mass. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery at a later date. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements. A live stream of the funeral mass will be on the funeral home Facebook page. Please remember to wear your mask.

He was born in Dubuque on October 21, 1935 the son of Joseph J. and Helen A (Ehrlich) Blasen. He attended Saint Columbkille grade and high school. While at Saint Columbkille he met his high school sweetheart Joan Katherine Hutter. They were such a match that their classmates voted them prom king and queen.  They were married on October 1, 1955 and began a loving relationship that would span 60 years and be blessed with 7 children. Sadly, Joan preceded him in death on Feb. 27, 2015.

After graduation, He began his working career with Frank Hardie Advertising. In 1973 he started working for the Dubuque Community School System and continued there until his retirement in 1999. Joe was a great family man, always putting his family first, and was a friend to all.

He is survived by his children Gary (Alice) Blasen, Julie (George) Sharkey, Joseph (Carol) Blasen, Jr, Richard (Judy) Blasen, Greg (Jaime) Blasen, Jay (Julie) Blasen, and Chris (Kristen) Blasen; his 12 grandchildren Brook, Stacie, Jessica, Shawn, Josh, April, Benjy, Whitney, Natalie, Cade, Coby, and Cohen; 10 great grandchildren Hannah, Lincoln, Jaylinn, Jasmine, Carter, Aubrina, Nathan, Joey, Mia, and Ella; his sisters Mary Lou (Ted) Weeks, Joanne Kiefer, Linda (Bob) Kunkel, and Kathy (Irv) Behnke; brothers Richard (Kathleen) Blasen and Mike Blasen; a sister-in-law Barb Blasen; and brothers-in-law Carl Anglin and Doug Helbing; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, a brother William “Bill” Blasen, sisters Luane Anglin and Janet Helbing, and a great granddaughter Hannah’s twin Makayla.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hospice of Dubuque.

Joe’s family would like to thank Dr. Matt Kirkendall and his nurse Kate, along with the staff of Hospice of Dubuque for all the loving care and friendship they gave to Joe.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.