Blane L. Lau

Blane Lau, 74, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away on September 25th, 2025.

Blane was born and raised in Curtice, Ohio by his parents, Elwood and Margaret (Lumbrezer) Lau. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He earned his private pilot’s license while at Ohio State, a milestone in his lifelong love for flight. He attended Drexel University and went on to receive his MBA from Xavier University in 1978. Blane built a distinguished career in operations management, spending the majority of his professional life at Owens Illinois and Whirlpool as a seasoned leader in operations and engineering management and organizational development.

Blane was captivated by the wonder of flight, rocketry, and space exploration. He immersed himself in building and launching rockets, tracking shuttle launches and space missions, and photographing the night sky with awe and enthusiasm. Flying was his lifelong passion, one he delighted in sharing with both friends and family. From the moment he took to the skies, Blane found a sense of freedom and purpose that never left him. Whether he was piloting a small aircraft, flying alongside his friends, or visiting air shows and museums, his enthusiasm for aviation was unmistakable. He was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and enjoyed traveling with friends and family down to the horseshoe for home games.

Blane is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Simkins and Stephanie Fleming; his granddaughter, Elise; his brother, Terrence (Ted), and sister-in-law, Sue; and his niece, Emma. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sandra (Sandy).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Genoa, Ohio. All are welcome to attend the memorial, with a lunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of Blane and in support of continued research and care for those affected.

Blane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of dedication, devotion, and humor lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

With enduring love and gratitude,

The Lau Family