Robert Gerald Blazek

1928 - 2020

Robert Gerald Blazek

West Palm Beach, FL - Robert Gerald Blazek, 92, died in the early hours of December 20, 2020. He was born February 21, 1928 to Gerald and Anna Blazek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He passed with his wife Nancy at his side while visiting the home of his son, David, in Florida.

His life was long and nearly entirely healthy, filled with decades of long-distance running (including 5 Boston Marathons, 2 Pikes Peak Marathons, numerous others which he ran into his 70's.) After he stopped running full marathons, he participated in a marathon relay team known as The Grumpy Old Men and continued running 10k segments into his 80's. He enjoyed canoeing, biking, hiking, golf and skiing. Later in life he enjoyed family trips to Florida, Georgia, Arizona, and other Western states, as well as travels to Canada, western Europe, and the British Isles.

In addition, Robert participated in the formation of the West Suburban YMCA and served in the Y's Men's group and as a Boy Scout leader. He assisted with the organization of the Lakefront Marathon as a member of the Badgerland Striders for many years.

Robert graduated from Messmer High School and was drafted into service in the US Army (Infantry) and served in the occupation forces in Japan. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business at The University of Wisconsin at Madison and his LLB in the Class of 1955 at The University of Wisconsin Law School. He was a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin for 65 years, first in private practice and later as managing Regional Counsel directing offices in Milwaukee and Minneapolis for the Allstate Insurance Company.

Robert married Nancy Marie Chyle on 9/12/1954. He is survived by Nancy, his sons John (Edwige) of Brussels, Belgium, and David (Elizabeth) of West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as his sisters Marilyn Cleary of Sturgeon Bay, and Dorothy (Carl) Basco of Menomonee Falls. He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Gerald, and Donald.

The family would like to express its appreciation for the medical treatment and care he received from Oncologist Dr. William Matthaeus , Cardiologists Dr. Tejwant Singh and Dr. Brad Stair, Milwaukee, and for care provided by Home Care Assistance of Palm Beach Gardens and Trustbridge Hospice care.

Due to the Covid restrictions, no memorial services will be scheduled at this time. The family recommends charitable donations may be directed to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105