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Eugene Bleidorn Obituary

Bleidorn, Eugene F. Called to the Lord on March 3, 2010, at the age of 94. Beloved husband and best friend of Mary Agnes Blonien. Eugene was the oldest and last surviving child of the late Louise (nee Hamacher) and Frank Bleidorn. He was preceded to heaven by his brothers Frank (Joan Picard Bleidorn) Bleidorn, Gilbert (the late Marie), Fred (Cathleen) Bleidorn; sisters Bernice (the late Donald) Guyette, Dolores (the late Bernard) Sanders, Sr. Rita Bleidorn, and Elaine (the late Donald) Bauer. Treasured brother-in-law of Joan, David, Chuck, Jim Blonien and Josella Redmond. Also lovingly survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and many wonderful friends. Visitation Thursday, March 11, at the funeral home from 4:00PM until the time of a vigil service at 7:00PM. A second visitation will be held Friday, March 12, at San Camillo Chapel (10200 W. Blue Mound Rd., Wauwatosa) from 9:30AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Private family committal, Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials to the St. Camillus Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated. Gene was the Administrator of the St. Camillus Nursing Home and later a consultant to the St. Camillus Campus. He was in charge of the EEO program for the State of Wisconsin's Vocational Schools. "We are all called, I think, to contribute to the betterment of this world that so generously has sustained us. As we leave our footprints on this planet I pray that this world is better for having been here." "Whether as a clergyman or as a married man, Gene preached, taught and lived for social justice and peace."

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Mar. 7 to Mar. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Bleidorn

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Lorrie Greco

March 25, 2010

Hi Mary Agnes and all the Bleidorns and Bloniens,

Tony and I are just back from Florida.

We want to let you know how much we will miss Gene. He meant so much to me during my years as a teen trying to decide which path to take in life and the way to take it in order to best use what I've been given by a loving Creator. Thanks to him, I (and so many others) have been able to continue down that path.

He comes to mind especially during this time of crisis in our Catholic institutions. I think it would be very wise for us to continue to seek his guidance in prayer that we may find the compassion, courage and strength to come through this and to become the church we desperately need to become.

Kathleen Blatz

March 16, 2010

I had the pleasure of working at San Camillo years ago and knew Gene as a very kind, wonderful man. He will be missed.
Kathleen B

March 14, 2010

i remember fr. bleihorn from the sixties as pastor of st. boniface, during milwaukee's open housing marches etc..................what a brave man!
bravo, for his loving support of fr. groppi, the naacp, the commando's etc.

rosemary danforth barrett

Bob Baranow

March 12, 2010

Eugene was a giant towering above other giants. His stature leaves a lasting print on our society.

March 12, 2010

Dear Bleidorn family, I regret that I was not able to share your celebration of Gene's like. He was a consistent force in my life. There are very few who are able to be loyal to causes and freinds and the Gospels. If it is true that our deeds last beyond our doing, then Gene is with us for a long time. (I had minor surgery and did.t get home until friday morning. ) Peace to you all! Warren Braun

Janusz Laszbosz

March 11, 2010

Gene ...

I wish I could be with you as you accept your reward for the honor, charity, understanding and leadership that was your life. You have been an inspiration to many thousands of people, including me. You have inspired our lives. You, Jim, Gerry, Grace, Fran, Abraham, Joan, Martin, Sandy, John and Paul. May your soul revel in peace, may your spirit continue to inspire.

Judy Wayda-Christiansen

March 11, 2010

Mary Agnes,
I have such fond memories of Gene when he was at St Scholastica Parish in Bristol. In my mind he could do no wrong and was a living example of a man of faith.

I am sorry for your lose and pray for you.

Sincerely, Judy Wayda-Christiansen

ROBERT RINGLE

March 11, 2010

EUGENE BLEIDORN WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PROFESSORS AT ST. FRANCIS SEMINARY AND A REAL FRIEND. HE IS A GREAT MAN. DR. ROBERT E. RINGLE

Jerry Fuhr

March 11, 2010

Eugene Bleidorn was one of my favorite "profs" at St. Francis Seminary. He awakened my interest in Economics in my sophomore year, 1953 and this experience has been a guiding force in my life ever since.
His brother, Fred, officiated at our wedding at St. Sebastian's parish in 1962, and hunted geese with me on one occasion, where I shot the goose and Fred "claimed" it for himself!!! (I never did really like goose!!) As a family. the Bleidorn clan has a lot to be proud of. I personally have benefitted from having been assoiated in one way or anther with them since 1952. Memories are meant to help one grow, learn, and appreciate all the blessings that God bestows on those who love Him. Eugene was one of those wonderful blessings. Thank you, Eugene (and you, too, Fred).

Jerry Fuhr, SF Class of '56

Ken and MaryBeth (Clark) Kramer

March 11, 2010

Mary Agnes,
So sorry to hear of Gene's passing from life to eternal life. I know you will miss him terribly. I have nothing but good memories of the both of you. That was many years ago but.... still a very vivid part of my life when things were confusing for me growing up. He was a great father figure for me. My prayer is that you would be filled with HIS peace as you adjust to life without Gene.

Frankie Bleidorn

March 11, 2010

Dear Mary Agnes,
When remembering Uncle Gene I smile. I smile because he found you- his soul mate Mary Agnes. Together you showed the younger generation in this family how to love, share and genuinely live a happy life. You shared your wisdom with us- your humor in so many ways and your unobtrusive presences radiated kindness. We sought your council, followed your lead and learned from you .
Uncle Gene has begun another journey leaving us sadder but happier to have shared part of his life-and happy to still have you Aunt Mary Agnes.
In your sadness I hope you know we grieve with you for the loss of your life partner and smile with your because he was your life partner.
Frankie Bleidorn and Family

Alice Brusky

March 11, 2010

I remember coming to Milwaukee in the 60's as a newly graduated nurse to work at the old Milwaukee Childrens Hospital on Wisconsin Ave. I also remember reading about Gene and his social justice efforts in those days and always felt that he was a saint among us.....Rest in peace, Gene. May we all continue your works that you started.
Alice Fuhrmann Brusky

Angelyn Ward

March 9, 2010

Mary Agnes, know that you and the the rest of family are in my prayers. Through all the years, as a member of St. Boniface, my working as a receptionist, the civil rights movement, the plays, his books, etc., both of you were always caring, giving and courageous. You will always have a place in the hearts of many. God bless you.

Barbara Kumprey

March 9, 2010

The family of Ken and Evelyn Binder will keep the Bleidorn family in our thoughts and prayers. The San Camillo family will miss Gene.

Bill Sell

March 8, 2010

Gene's passing fills me with great sadness.
I remember his classes vividly, his sense of humor and his patience (with us).

When I was his charge in high school classes (History? Economics? I don't remember) I heard the words "Social Justice" for the first time, but it was only after some years that I began to understand the power of those two words. That justice is something we all yearn for, and justice is the reason we need to believe in an afterlife. But also, justice is something that even the prophet said could come down upon us like rain. And Justice is something we can do.

What a beautiful man; he was in the jargon of our times "cool" -- always collected, ready with apt words, never flustered, always confident. His wisdom held the St. Boniface ship on course and the doors open during those years. Nevertheless, for all his gifts, he was only a man and for that lucky to have connected with Mary Agnes before age took its price.

I will miss his solidarity with work, and the ostracized of our community. A true mentor to anyone wishing to be thoughtful and active.

Bill Sell

Alvan Bachtell

March 8, 2010

I was a lay-teacher of 5th and 6th grade boys at St. Aemilian from July 1, 1967 until July 1, 1968.

I would like to express my condolences to the family of Eugene Bleidorn. He was a fine person whom I knew to be involved with social justice and served as a living example of these principles.

Once again, my sincere condolences on the passing of Gene from this earth to his Heavenly Home.

Ted & Rita Wisniewski

March 7, 2010

Dear Mary Ag.

Our prayers and blessings are sent to
you. We do not need to tell you how much we were spiritually touched by
Gene throughout these many years.
We treasure all the times we had to
share with each other. We know you
continue to be one in Spirit with him
and all of us who knew him.

Love Ted & Rita

Fr. Gene Pocernich

March 7, 2010

Mary Agnes and the Bleidorn family,
Know of my thoughts and prayers as you commend the one and only Gene Bleidorn to the Lord and the Communion of the Saints and the great prophets. He certainly left a legacy behind, and the Milwaukee area is all the richer for all the love and great works for Justice and Peace that he promoted.
May be rest in peace, and may he do what he can, from above, to bring some
civility and kindess, to those of us down here.
With faith in the Risen Lord,
Eugene Pocernich

Errol & Barb Schmelling

March 7, 2010

Dear Mary Agnes,
Errol and I are so sorry to hear of Gene's death. Even though we haven't gotten together in many years, our thoughts were with you often. We will keep you in our prayers.

Maureen & Phil Grisolia

March 7, 2010

Whenever we think of Uncle Gene, the name 'Peacemaker' comes to mind. We don't believe anything more needs to be said. Godspeed, U Gene!

March 7, 2010

Mary Ag,
Pete and I were deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Genes death. We know how difficult this must be for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Uncle Gene was such a kind and gentle soul. He would do anything to help someone in need. We know how much you will miss Uncle Gene. May the lord bless you during this time and always.
Much love,
Pete and Mariann (Bleidorn )Cattelino

March 7, 2010

Heaven is a better place now that Gene has joined the ranks! May our memories of him continue to make this world the better place that he so love-filled worked for! Vivian Corres

Fr. Marv Knighton

March 7, 2010

Mary Agnes,

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with the passing of Eugene. Gene was a dedicated person to the Gospel message of justice and peace. He was relentless in his efforts as you were with him by his side. It is our faith that summons us to believe that Gene's "life is simply changed not ended." I hold you and the Bleidorn family in prayer.

Sincerely,
Fr. Marv Knighton

March 7, 2010

Mary Ag, I'm so sorry to lose Gene. He was such a major influence in alll our lives. My best to all. Dave Walther.

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