Gregory Lawrence Blaesing

Gregory Lawrence Blaesing, beloved husband of Marty Blaesing and father of Lauren Blaesing, died peacefully at his home in Boise, Id., on Monday, April 12, from cancer. He was 56 years old. Greg was born in Hinsdale, Ill., on November 30, 1953, to Paul Lewis Blaesing and Margaret Hesse Blaesing of Quincy, Ill. He was their fourth child and third boy. He attended St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated in 1971 from Hinsdale Central High School. His love of basketball began in his role as manager of his high school basketball team. He received his Bachelor's degree in Recreation and Parks Administration from Western Ill. University in 1975 and a Masters of Science in Recreation Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1976. He was awarded the 2002 Distinguished Alumni award from Western Ill. University. Greg was the Assistant Director of the Norris Center (Student Union) at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., from 1977 until 1986. Beginning in 1986 he served as Director of the Student Union at Boise State University where he oversaw the first remodel and expansion of the SUB. Later as Director of Auxiliary Services, he was instrumental in planning and developing new dormitories and student apartments. In addition, he was a leader in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). As a mentor and friend, Greg impacted the lives of many students and staff at both Boise State and Northwestern. Since 2006 he worked for the Idaho Dept. of Lands in commercial property management. Greg married Martha Jane Eanes, also of Hinsdale, on June 7, 1975 (or as Greg liked to say, "D-Day plus one.") They had one daughter, Lauren, of Eugene, Or. Greg loved trains and was active in the Southern Idaho Garden Railway Society. He was an avid fan of University of North Carolina basketball and the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed reading history and appreciated art, film, theater, and all genres of music. He loved hiking in the mountains, skiing, and flat water kayaking. He traveled widely, and last year he and Marty traveled to Holland and France, fulfilling his lifetime wish to visit the beaches at Normandy. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife and daughter, his sister Barbara of Yorktown, Va., his brother Paul of Willowbrook, Ill., and brother Mark of Erwin, Tenn., as well as five nephews, four nieces, many cousins, his dog Truman, and his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels. All who knew Greg were touched by his genuine friendship and sense of humor. He was a member of St. John's Parish in Boise, and his deep faith sustained him in his last days. On Sunday April 18, Summers Funeral Home (12th and Bannock) will host a visitation from 5-7 p.m. and a rosary vigil at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Cathedral on Monday April 19 at 1:30, and a reception in the parish hall will follow. A private internment for family will be held later. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a memorial scholarship in Greg's name at Boise State University. Please contact Barry Burbank at 208-426-2575 or the Boise State University Foundation, 2225 University Drive, Boise, Idaho 83706, or phone 208-426-3276.