Juanita Blaser

Juanita Blaser, 88, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully at UnityPoint Health/Allen Memorial Hospital after contracting COVID-19.  She was born in Webster, Iowa, on May 10, 1932, daughter of Donald and Frances (Hohenshell) Herrick.  Juanita had very fond memories of growing up in rural Webster and a deep love for her father who passed away in a car accident when she was 9 years old.  She lived and attended school in North English before her mother moved the family to Coos Bay, OR for a few years.  They eventually moved to Cresco where she graduated high school and fell in love with Eugene Blaser.  The couple married on August 30 1952, and moved to Cedar Falls where she worked to support her husband through college and career at John Deere in addition to rearing four children.

Juanita loved travel and adventure and she and Eugene visited Europe together several times.  They also enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren in Michigan in addition to genealogy trips all over the country.  When Eugene grew tired of travel, she continued to travel with family and friends.  Juanita was an avid seamstress who lovingly made countless outfits, costumes and beautiful quilts for each member of her family.  Another of her passions was shopping and she enjoyed looking at everything even if she didn't spend a dime.  However, purses, shoes and nice clothing were her frequent indulgences and she had more than she could wear in one lifetime!

Juanita was a very social and well loved person.  She really enjoyed visiting, coffee and dining out.  Her birthday was always an event which extended well before and past the actually date.  Juanita made all holidays wonderful, magical and memorable with every landmark and occasion noted and celebrated.  Juanita enjoyed her children and grandchildren and treasured a close and loving relationship with her family.  Though her passing will leave a huge void, we are all so fortunate to have known and loved her.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 66 years, Eugene; and a son-in-law, Brad Pierce.  She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Dave) Bailey of Cedar Falls and Kristen (Ron) Kampo of Cass City, MI; her sons, Eugene Blaser, Jr. of Salem, VA and John (Jan) Blaser of DeWitt; 15 grandchildren: Miranda (Drew) Henry, Eugene "Billy" (Jennifer) Blaser III, Jeffrey Blaser, Colby Blaser, Kim (Brian) Butz, Karen (Jeff) Tupper, Becky (Nathan) Madoerin, Dan (Yolanda) Blaser, Tom (Jill) Blaser, Steve (Lilian) Blaser, Tamara (Ty) Stamps, Stephanie (Ryan) Fraiser, Norman (Ashley) Pierce, Joe and Ethan Kampo; 14 great grandchildren; her brother, Donald (Ellie) Raymond Herrick of Lakeland, FL; her sisters-in-law, Catherine Bakke, of Preston, MN and Bernice Blaser, of Waterloo, and many nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID, Juanita's family will hold a private graveside service with burial at New Oregon Cemetery of Cresco.  Memorials may be directed to the family or to Shriner's Hospital and condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com .