Robert L. Blais' Obituary
Mr. Robert L. Blais, age 84, died Wednesday afternoon, October 5, 2005, in Traverse City, MI. He was born June 3, 1921 in Muskegon. Robert was the loving and loyal son of Louis and Angela (LeMieux) Blais. Bob resided in the Muskegon area most of his life.
Robert was a graduate of St. Jean's High School, Class of 1939, and then went to work for Lofgren Sheet Metal in Muskegon. He joined the Army Air Corp in October 1942 and graduated flight school in October 1943. Bob was assigned to B17’s as a Pilot/Co-Pilot in the 8th Air Force, 349th Squadron of the 100th Bomb Group (“The Bloody Hundredth”).
On his 15th mission, Bob’s B-17 was hit by flak forcing the crew to bail out. Bob was captured and spent the remainder of the war as a POW at Stalag Luft III and Stalag Luft 7A (Home of the Great Escape). He was liberated by elements of General George Patton’s 3rd Army on April 26th, 1945.
Robert graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He loved watching the Irish play football.
Bob worked at Kaydon and GTE prior to his retirement. He was a former member of St. Jean’s Catholic Church and then of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven.
On August 28, 1948, he married the former Marva Rood and she survives him along with 5 children, Phil (Debbie) Blais of San Diego, CA, Jim (Ann) Blais of Spring Lake, Bob (Cindy) Blais of Seattle, WA, Paul (Linda) Blais of Fremont and Marva Ann Blais of Traverse City; 10 grandchildren; 3 sisters, Jean Comeau and Louise (Ted) Price of Muskegon and Ann Geraty of St. Louis; 2 brothers, Jerome (Bonnie) Blais and Thomas (Karen) Blais of Muskegon and by a sister-in-law, Pat Blais of Spring Lake. Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert, George, Richard, and Joseph Blais. The FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated Tuesday October 11th at St Jean’s Catholic Church in Muskegon, with Fr. David LeBlanc presiding. A luncheon will follow in the Church hall. A private entombment will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with Bob’s family will be on Monday October 10, 2005 from 5:30PM to 8:00PM, with a Rosary to be said at 7:30 PM, at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231-759-8565). MEMORIAL GIFTS to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation. will be appreciated. You are also invited to sign the family’s On-line Guest Book @ www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Robert L.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert L.?
Share a story where Robert L.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert L. you’ll never forget.
How did Robert L. make you smile?