Julius Emerson Blaess

BLAESS, JULIUS EMERSON Pharr, TX formerly of Chelsea
Age 90, passed away on February 25, 2012 in Pharr, Texas. He was a loving husband and father, doting grandfather, trusted friend and wise counsel. Julius was born on December 7, 1921 in Lodi Township, Ann Arbor, Mich. to Oswald W. and Edna V. (Finkbeiner) Blaess. He was a resident of Chelsea, Mich. for most of his life. On February 14, 1953 he married Jean N. Carter in Chelsea and she predeceased him on November 13, 1984. On March 22, 1986, Julius married Betty Behnke Scherdt and she predeceased him on September 3, 2003. Mr. Blaess was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School and served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Europe in WWII. He was a partner with his brother William in the Blaess Elevator Company on Dexter-Chelsea Rd. in Chelsea for many years. He then worked for the investment firm of Aston Young Financial Services before retirement. He was an active member of the Chelsea Kiwanis and served as President from 1974-1975. He was active in St. Paul United Church of Christ in Chelsea, where he was on the building committee when the present church was built and served on the board for two terms. Julius had resided in Pharr, Texas for a number of years. With the help of computers, he compiled great family genealogical histories, and he was also active in the Tropic Star Park in Pharr. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia (Tim) Whitesall of Chelsea and Judi (Doug) Willson of Manchester, six grandchildren: Timothy (Lori) and Steven (Amy) Whitesall, Adam (Ann) Erskine, Amanda Erskine (Arnold) Reginaldo, Jordan (Heather) and Evan (Juli) Wahl and 13 great-grandchildren, two step-daughters, Karen (Robert) Moore and Marti (Dennie) Wolfgang along with nine step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren, his sister Betty (Alfred) Rentschler of Ann Arbor, sister-in-law Gerry Blaess, and cousins with many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister Virginia, one brother William and one daughter Nancy. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 31, 2012, 1 pm at St. Paul UCC in Chelsea, with visitation 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Memorial donations may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.