Gerald Blonien

Gerald S. Blonien, 94, of Hay Springs, Nebraska, passed away on Sept. 28, 2022 at Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs.

Gerald was born on Nov. 9, 1927 to Erwin and Esther Blonien in Moon, Wisconsin. He spent his early childhood in Rudolph, Wisconsin, before his family moved to Hay Springs in 1941.

On Jan. 10, 1953, Gerald married Roxyanne Elmitt at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Hay Springs, making their home on a dairy farm southwest of town. On July 1, 1966, they began selling Grade “A” milk and did so for the next 20 years.

Gerald was hard working, quick witted, spunky and said it just like it was. He was a proud member of St. Columbkille’s for 80 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He had a passion for playing cards, attending auctions, collecting anything imaginable and fishing.

He thoroughly enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and later, his great-grandchildren.

Gerald was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Roxy, his parents, his sister Elvera Rasmussen and an infant child.

Gerald is survived by sons Rick Blonien and Randy (Dawn) Blonien, and daughters Pam (Mike) Baumann, Shannon (Frank) Roost and Sharla Blonien. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nick Baumann, Ryan (Kathryn) Baumann, Melissa (Ryan) Sestak, Zac (Jennifer) Blonien, Tyler Blonien, Clint (Tanya) Blonien, Hilary (Matt) Blonien, Ashley (Kevin) Callahan, Brittany (Christian) Sigel and Cassandra (Glenn) Robertson. He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren.

A rosary service will be held at St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Hay Springs at 6 p.m. on Oct. 5. Funeral services will be held at St. Columbkille’s on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m.

A memorial has been established for St. Columbkille’s Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to Chamberlain Drabbles Mortuary at P.O. Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.