Stanley J. Blaske, 76, of Louisville, Kentucky passed away peacefully in the company of his beloved family at Norton Audubon Hospital on Thursday, April 27, 2023. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Summitt. Stan was a loving father and leaves behind daughters Jessica Hayes (husband Rick) of Waco, KY, Sarah Hijuelos (husband Jeff) of Pensacola, FL, and son Drew Blaske (wife Andrea) of Hilton Head, SC, loving grandfather to his grandchildren John, Evan and Emilie Hayes and Aiden, Parker, and Spencer Hijuelos; his remaining siblings, Steven Blaske and Marilyn Blaske-Hull, both of Louisville; as well as numerous loving and caring nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.
He was born on March 20, 1947 to the late Floyd and Dorothy Blaske. Stan was a 1965 graduate of Westport High School and attended Western Kentucky University, where he played basketball. He was a proud veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and then followed in his father's footsteps by starting a Marine Transportation business (Blaske Marine) with his brother, Roger in Alton, IL. They operated the business together for 34 years. Stan was thorough, he never wanted to leave anything incomplete as he demonstrated through his meticulous and tireless work ethic. He did his best to pass the importance of this on to his children and grandchildren, by never passing up the opportunity to teach a life lesson. Stan was a proud, diligent, and dedicated man who, even in the face of serious health setbacks, got up each morning without complaint and made the most of each day. Among his many passions, the greatest was his devotion to his loved ones. He enjoyed filling his free time with family, having organized several family vacations to bring everyone together; watching his Kentucky Wildcat Basketball team; and playing golf - a passion which he passed along to his children. Another love of Stan's was going out for a good meal. He never turned down a cold vodka tonic or a dozen salty raw oysters. Over the last several years, Stan reconnected with his faith at Southeast Christian Church (Crestwood) with Dianne. Along with his parents, Stan is preceded in death by his brothers Roger, Mark, and Jeffrey Blaske. He was admired and loved by many and will be sorely missed.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Stanley's life on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 12:00 pm at Southeast Christian Church, Crestwood Campus (6220 Crestwood Station, Crestwood, KY 40014). The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the service time on Friday.
Memorial Contributions in Stanley's Memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
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