David John Blaska

David John Blaska

David Blaska Obituary

Published by Star Tribune on Sep. 3, 2008.
Blaska, David John Born March 2, 1967 in Rochester, MN. Passed away unexpectedly September 1st, 2008 at home in Coon Rapids, MN. Preceded in death by grandparents, Fred and Jeanette Bauer and John Blaska; uncle, Pat Ward; and cousins, Vicky and Jim Burke. Survived and will be deeply missed by his loving parents, Duane and Joan; brothers, Steve (Jill) and their children, Mikenna and Erin, and Mike (Stephanie) and their children,Taryn and Gavin; grandmother, Lauraine Blaska; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. David was a graduate of Humboldt High School in St. Paul and has spent the last 15 years working at Anoka Government Center. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, 9/5 at the Church of St. Stephen, 2020 5th Ave N., Anoka. Visitation Thursday 6-8 PM at Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home, 552 East River Road, Anoka, additional visitation one hour prior to mass at church. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Anoka. GEARHART ANOKA 763-421-4347
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign David Blaska's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 8, 2008

jan keaveny posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Evonne Thibert posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Leslie Knudsen posted to the memorial.

jan keaveny

September 8, 2008

Dear Blaska Family, I just heard of David's death and I want to express my sadness for you. The unexpected death of a child is a shock and seems to change life forever. I read many of the entries in this guest book and I know that David brought happiness to those around him. What a blessing! I do hope yur memories include laughter and unconditional love - those are gifts that will warm your hearts for years to come. Please feel free to call or write anytime. God bless you always. Jan Keaveny - (SCSU graduate student long ago)

Evonne Thibert

September 5, 2008

Dearest Blaska's:

My sincerely sympathy for your loss. David was such a bright spot in the day. He would always say "you look nice today!" and my response would be "and so do you". He would always ask "how's your day going?". He always talked about the Twins and would know specifics about their game. He was a VERY SPECIAL PERSON. We will all miss him
terribly. The best to all of you in this most difficult time. Love Always,

Leslie Knudsen

September 5, 2008

David was a joy to work with. Many times he would say hello, or hello Mam and shake my hand. He was a very unique person and liked to joke and laugh. I will miss him very much. The bond between a parent and child is deep. I pray that you have peace and healing at this time with the wonderful memories you have with David.

Carol Donahoe

September 4, 2008

Dear Joan, Duane and Family; As you can expect, all of us at Achieve are just stunned. David was such a bright spot for all of us. We have all been sharing our "David" stories. I will miss his daily visits, telling me how many points he earned for the day. We are all so very proud of David for his success on the job. He loved working in Anoka! (and they loved him)! David was a truly amazing guy. He never let the challenges in his life get in the way. Our lives are all richer because of knowing David. Oh how we will miss him. God's peace to you all.

Sarah Coltvet

September 4, 2008

Dr. Blaska and family

I am sorry to hear about your son's death. Although I never met him personally, I feel I learned from him through you. Please take care of each other.

Sarah Coltvet
former SCSU Grad Assistant & student

Sherry Rittmiller

September 4, 2008

Duane and Joan, I have worked with David for over 7 years and will miss him very much. I wish your family strength and Love during these hard times. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Karen Kirchberg

September 4, 2008

The Anoka County Government Center will never be the same! David was a bright light in a sea of grey cubes. You could hear him coming around the corner and he brought a smile to everyone. I am deeply saddened and will miss him terribly. His life impacted many and I wish peace for his family. I think of the profound words of Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened." Thank you for sharing David with us.

Joanne Case

September 4, 2008

Dear Blaskas,
I did not know David; but as a friend of Myrna Ward, I learned what a nice person he was. I will include you all in my prayers. I am sure he is in heaven praying for all of you in your grief.

Sandi andJack Hanson

September 4, 2008

We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. David left a warm spot in my heart years ago. I met him for the first time over 30 years ago while exploring our new neighborhood. The very next day he was at our door asking my huband if his "girl" could come out to play. He was a special multi-faceted young boy back then and as I read the guestbook I can see he found his way into many peoples hearts!

Mary Miller

September 3, 2008

Joan and family - This afternoon the state ECSE Coordinators received the sad news of David's death on our e-mail. If not for David - so many others would not have benefited from the passion, sense of humor, and knowledge you brought to the field of Special Education as a result of his life. I can see the smile on your face you had each time you spoke of him - even as you shared your challenges. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are will all of you and I thank you for sharing your journey will so many. You made us better educators and gave a perspective so few of us ever had.

Jill Haak

September 3, 2008

Dear Joan and Duane, David's impact on this world will live for a longtime. All the "David" stories that Joan has shared with her students and with families across Minnesota will have a very positive effect on the lives of children and adults with special needs. Thanks for sharing David with all of us in special education.

Greg DeMars

September 3, 2008

I met dave in fall of 2004 he was great to chat with,also he love sports
and always ask what I was repairing in the goverment center I would share that with him he really tought my job was cool. I will miss him.

Rhonda Haukos

September 3, 2008

I met David in 2001 when I worked in the Community Health Dept. at Anoka County. When I left and later returned to Anoka County, I was happy to see that David was still here. Every time I would see him, I would say "Hi David" and every time he would ask me how I knew his name, he would shake my hand and ask me my name. I enjoyed sitting in the lunch room and he would come around and ask how I was doing and tell me about the Twins. He was such a kind person and we were blessed to have David with us all of these years. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Pam Murphy

September 3, 2008

I have worked with David for the past few years. He was a unique and joyful person, always keeping me updated on the Twins games and hockey too. On his daily visits to deliver our mail he would come around the corner and always managed to make me and those around me smile or laugh. It won't be the same here without him, he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during this difficult time.

Kathy Reibel

September 3, 2008

Dear Duane and Joan
May the lord guide you through this very difficult time, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Donna McDonald

September 3, 2008

Family of David Blaska,

I worked with David at the Anoka County Government Center. What a spark of fun and energy he was, whether it was talking about the Twins, his weekend or his interest in what someone else had done. He will be missed!

Melanie Ault

September 3, 2008

To David's Family and Friends,

Around lunch time each day, I would usually see David seated with his lunch cooler in the 2nd floor hallway outside of my office, watching the people traffic. He always greeted me, even when I was rushing (how pleasant of him!). He always had a complimentary or encouraging word to share. Consistently, he was a day-brightener for me. I will miss him.

Jane Kirkholm

September 3, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ann Dickinson

September 3, 2008

To the family of David Blaska,
David brought joy to Fiscal everytime he delivered our mail. I will miss his stories on the twins and joyous attitude . He was truely a wonderful guy. Sorry for your loss.

Mike Hostetler

September 3, 2008

Dear Duane and Joan,
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss. We wish you God's grace in this time of hardship and are praying for you both.
Sincerely,
Mike and Condello Hostetler

Connie Smith

September 3, 2008

David was my "morning cheer" here at Anoka County. I will deeply miss his morning visits for his gum and all his sport updates here in the Vital Statistics department. He was a genuine friend to all and he will be greatly missed.
May God guide you all through this hard time.

Katie Spenger

September 3, 2008

I worked with David at the Anoka County Government Center for the last year. He always filled us in on how the local sports teams were doing, and always greeted you with a handshake or a high five in the hallway. I enjoyed chatting with him in the mornings and will miss his outgoing personality.

Bradley Worcester

September 3, 2008

To the family of David Blaska,

I use to work with Dave at the Government Center, He was a really neat guy and I enjoyed working with him.
He will be missed by all of us at Achieve Services.

Joan Aykens

September 3, 2008

I used to work by David. There is no way he will ever be forgotten. I will always smile when I think of him. Joy to David and God's peace and healing to you.



Joan Aykens (Anoka, MN)

Sarah Larsen

September 3, 2008

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I have worked with David at the county for the last few years, where he will not be forgotten. He truly was a genuine spirit. I am sorry for your great loss.

Joe Deitering

September 3, 2008

I also worked with David. He always had a big hello and the latest on the Twins. He had a kind heart and was truly a good person. He became friends with all of us that he came into contact with. We will miss him very much. The Good Lord must have a special place for guys like him. You have our heartfelt sympathy.

Raeann Spike

September 3, 2008

I have worked with David for the last
15 years, also, I got such a kick when I would say, Good morning David and he would always ask me how I knew his name! Did David get to attend the State Fair this year? He was looking forward to it. We will
miss him.

Tina Herzog

September 3, 2008

Dear Blaska Family,
I worked with David at Anoka County and I will miss his play by play of the Twins. He was truly passionate about his sports! Thank you for sharing him with us.

Susie Miller

September 3, 2008

David was a bright spot in our day here in Anoka County. I had the priviledge of working on the same floor with him. His love of HIS Twins was evident in every game they played and his recap for all of us.

Kris Johannsen

September 3, 2008

It was my privilege and delight to work with David during his 15 years at the Government Center. I'll miss him more than words can express. Who will deliver my sports reports? Who will brighten the moment with a report on the "new" puppy? I'll never again here the words, "You'll never believe this!" without thinking of our precious David. He was my buddy. His shoes won't be filled. My deepest condolences.

Sue Anderson

September 3, 2008

I will miss giving you a hug in the morning and getting slugged in the arm. I will miss hearing all the sports scores and what you are having for lunch. I will miss you picking a fight and telling about your weekend. I will miss...you. Thank you for stopping in and brightening up my mornings.

Shari Enger

September 3, 2008

Dear Blaska Family,
My deepest sympathies at your loss.
I worked with David at Anoka County, he was a wealth of information and I will miss him greatly. He was a joy to know, I looked forward to our chance meetings in the hall or elevator. His honesty and innocence will be missed by all. May God comfort you and keep you through this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home

552 East River Road, Anoka, MN 55303

Make a Donation
in David Blaska's name

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Blaska's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign David Blaska's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 8, 2008

jan keaveny posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Evonne Thibert posted to the memorial.

September 5, 2008

Leslie Knudsen posted to the memorial.